Inooro FM’s Jeff Kuria denies receiving Ruto’s Sh17 million bribe

By Newsflash Writer

Popular Inooro FM presenter Jeff Kuria has strongly dismissed claims that he received a Sh17 million bribe from politicians allied to President William Ruto to promote the “two-term” agenda in the Mt Kenya region through his “Hagaria” morning breakfast show.

Kuria, who was recently reassigned to host the evening drive show “Cua Cua” following sweeping changes announced by Royal Media Services across its radio stations, maintained that he has built his reputation through years of hard work and earns sufficiently from his career and personal ventures.

The seasoned presenter, who joined the station in 2007, spoke on Friday, February 13, where he rubbished the allegations circulating online and warned bloggers spreading the claims that he would take unspecified action against them.

Rejects bribery claims

Speaking during his new “Cua Cua” evening programme, Kuria defended his integrity and professional record, insisting that he has never relied on politicians for financial support.

“I would like to tell online people spreading false rumours against me; I work to get my money. I work here (Inooro FM) and I get paid. I also do side gigs like emceeing and other hustles and I get money,” said Kuria.

“The last thing I can do is to ask someone for money. I have built my name for so many years without insulting anyone, stealing anyone’s money or asking money from politicians.”

He further warned those behind the allegations to produce evidence to support their claims, maintaining that he would not tolerate attempts to tarnish his reputation.

“I don’t depend on politicians’ money. I am usually paid, and I am okay,” he said.

“I was employed at this station in 2007. This is my 19th year. Those who have a tendency of tarnishing names of others should leave me alone. They should provide video evidence. I will not wait for them to continue. I will face them head-on.”

The allegations emerged days before the station announced major programming changes, with online reports claiming that a prominent Mt Kenya politician allied to the President had bribed Kuria to popularise the Kenya Kwanza government in the region through his show.

Major programming changes at Inooro

Until the changes announced on February 9, Kuria hosted the popular “Hagaria” breakfast show alongside Nyoxx wa Katta. However, both presenters had been off air since late December last year, raising speculation among listeners over their absence.

Following the restructuring, the breakfast show was reassigned to veteran presenter John Mucwe, while Kuria moved to the evening slot to host “Cua Cua.”

The reshuffle also saw presenters Njuguna wa Wairimu and Karwimbo Mukurinu take over the political programme “Keera,” which they now host in the evening. The duo had previously been in charge of the “Cua Cua” show.

Meanwhile, veteran broadcaster Nderitu Waihura, who hosted the “Keera” programme for years, is currently on a break, according to a statement released by the station.

Uncertainty over co-host’s future

Since the changes were implemented, Nyoxx wa Katta has yet to return to the airwaves, fueling speculation about her future at the station.

Reports circulating online suggest that she may have exited the broadcaster, although no official confirmation has been issued.

The developments have generated considerable discussion among Inooro FM listeners, particularly in the Mt Kenya region where the station commands a large audience.

Despite the controversy and speculation surrounding the restructuring and bribery claims, Kuria insisted that his focus remains on his work and maintaining his professional credibility.

He reiterated that his career, spanning nearly two decades at the station, has been built on integrity and dedication, and vowed to defend his name against what he termed as false and malicious allegations.