A Star Newspaper editor and five alleged court cartels are accused of orchestrating a fraudulent endorsement of leaders within the Court Reporters Association of Kenya (CRAK), a process reportedly overseen by the association’s patron, a Supreme Court judge.
In what could become a significant scandal in media history, sources reveal that there has been an ongoing power struggle within CRAK. Five journalists from Citizen TV, Star Newspaper, Standard Newspaper, and Nation Media are alleged to have undermined their colleagues, particularly those accredited by the Media Council of Kenya.
These five journalists, often referred to as “The Big Five,” have allegedly maintained control over the association since its registration 10 years ago. Efforts to conduct fair elections have been thwarted by these individuals, who are accused of clinging to power by any means necessary.
This has led to stagnation within CRAK, which has remained largely inactive since its inception. Allegedly, no legitimate election was conducted at the recent meeting held at a high-end hotel in Karen. Instead, officials were reportedly handpicked, as there was no quorum to hold the election in accordance with CRAK’s constitution.
Our sources claim that positions such as Chief Whip, purportedly held by Kamau Muthoni of the Standard Newspaper, do not exist within the CRAK constitution.
Furthermore, more than 20 court reporters, including senior journalists, are said to have boycotted this election, which they believe was manipulated by the cartels.
CRAK’s decline began years ago when a former chair refused to accept the outcome of an election that removed him from power. Before the recent election, the cartels allegedly amended the constitution without the members’ approval.
Members accuse the association’s patron of failing to engage with them or listen to their grievances, claiming that the patron was misled by the cartels and ignored the majority’s voice.
The controversial amendments to the constitution required court reporters to be vetted by retired journalists who no longer practice in the field, a move that many members opposed. Over 20 journalists declined to participate in this vetting process, asserting that only the Media Council of Kenya is legally authorized to vet journalists.
The individuals who were allegedly handpicked for key positions are:
- Sam Kiplagat – Secretary General, Nation Media Group
- Susan Muhindi – Chairperson, Star Newspaper
- Purity Dzuya – Vice Chairperson, Citizen TV
- Carol Kubwa – Treasurer, People Daily Newspaper
- Rodgers Oduor – Vice Treasurer, Ghetto Radio
- Kamau Muthoni – Chief Whip, Standard Newspaper
