Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has appointed journalist Jacob Ng’etich as the new Director of Press Service following the dismissal of Salim Swaleh.
Swaleh, a former Citizen TV and NTV news anchor, was fored from Mudavadi’s office for his role in a Ksh 5.8 million extortion scandal.
Prior to this appointment, Ng’etich had a distinguished career in journalism, particularly with the Standard Group, where he dedicated over 12 years.
During his time at the Standard Group, he advanced from a writer to a senior reporter and writer, a position he held until his recent appointment.
Additionally, Ng’etich spent nearly three years at the Nation Media Group, further solidifying his reputation as a prominent journalist in Kenya.
His vast experience in the media sector is anticipated to enhance the professionalism and efficiency of Mudavadi’s communications team.
In his capacity as the Director of Press Service, Ng’etich will oversee all communication efforts at the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, which includes managing Mudavadi’s responsibilities as the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
His duties will involve handling media relations, developing communication materials, and upholding brand integrity across various platforms.
Ng’etich’s position will be vital in ensuring that Mudavadi’s messages are conveyed effectively to the public, both domestically and internationally.
Salim Swaleh’s plea
Two months after Swaleh’s extortion case kicked off, he is seeking to have Mudavadi intervene and save him from the allegations that he is facing.
In a video, the journalist said he has been trying to reach out to the president but to no success.
“I have decided to record this video because the last couple of weeks I have been trying to reach you but I have not been successful. I have sent several people to talk to you but they have not reached back
“You know you have been a father figure to me for the longest time. We’ve built an unmatched trust between us and for the last one and a half years I’ve served you with an unmatched zeal,” he said.
While breaking down, Swaleh went ahead to acknowledge that he had wronged the president, however, expressing remorse.
“I broke the trust and I’m so sorry about it, I’m truly remorseful about it. The last two months have been very difficult for me. I have been unable to even walk out because of the kind of publicity that I received,” he said.
Swaleh noted that keeping up with the court case has been challenging to him to a point that he has contemplated taking his own life.
He adds that the case has not been progressive with the prosecution saying that they are yet to get instructions on what charges to level against him and his accomplices.
“I lost everything in a blink of an eye but moreso the court process; every time I go there everybody is extorting me thinking that I have a lot of money,” he added.
Swaleh also disclosed that he has not been working since his arrest, noting that he is struggling to pay his bills and offset his loans.
“Bills are piling up, salaries stopped abruptly; I have loans. Please find it in your heart to forgive me but secondly, please help end this,” he said.
