Citizen TV journalist and Nyakach parliamentary aspirant Trevor Ombija has found himself at the centre of controversy after claiming that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua attempted to have him sacked from Royal Media Services (RMS).
Ombija made the claim while discussing his experience during a heated television interview with Gachagua earlier this year. His remarks suggested that the former deputy president had sought his removal from the media organisation following their on-air confrontation.
However, RMS Group Editorial Director Linus Kaikai has disputed the claim, saying no such attempt was made by Gachagua.
Responding to the remarks, Kaikai directly addressed K24 TV, stating that Ombija's account was inaccurate.
"Dear K24 TV, this is not true. There was no such call from former DP Gachagua," Kaikai said.
The senior journalist further explained that even if such a call had been made, it would not have been sufficient to influence decisions at RMS.
"Such a call would in any case not be worthwhile at RMS," Kaikai added.
Kaikai also disclosed that he had personally contacted Ombija after the remarks emerged to seek clarification.
According to Kaikai, Ombija acknowledged that his statement was inaccurate and expressed regret over making the claim.
"I have asked Trevor about the remarks and he says it is 'a mistake and I regret it'," Kaikai said.
He added that Ombija also indicated that he had not expected his comments to attract significant attention.
"Trevor has also told me he 'didn't think the remarks would be picked up'," Kaikai stated.
The clarification comes amid increased public attention on the relationship between journalists and political figures, particularly when interviews involving prominent politicians become confrontational.
Ombija, who is seeking to enter elective politics in Nyakach, has continued to attract attention as he transitions from his journalism career into political activity.
The journalist's alleged confrontation with Gachagua during the earlier interview had generated discussion over the conduct of political interviews and the increasingly contentious exchanges between politicians and media personalities.
Kaikai's response now places the matter in a different context, with the RMS editorial chief stating that there was no attempt by Gachagua to have Ombija removed from the company.
Ombija's admission that the remarks were a mistake also appears to have closed the immediate dispute over whether such a request was made.