Dr Alfred Mutua crying wolf

I support Okech Kendo’s sentiments on Government Spokesperson Alfred Mutua in The Standard of July 2.

Mutua’s response where he talked of bribery and hatred missed the point. He set the stage for his own ridicule by issuing skewed and inaccurate statements.

When President Obama visited Kenya, Mutua referred to him as a junior Senator only to retract the statement later.

When Mutua, in his response, said, "we need to work together with the media", should journalists blindly agree with all he says even if the information is distorted?

Mutua must not think spewing venom in the name of defending himself will help his cause.

Kendo, as a journalist, has nothing personal against him. Instead, he should strive hard to be more accurate in his briefings and stop commenting on issues until he has all the facts right.

{Collins Okinyo, Kisumu}

Dr Mutua’s reaction to Kendo’s column was uncalled for. How could he compare Kendo’s views to Hitler-style propaganda?

Has he forgotten he is the one who is perfecting propaganda? Does he remember the debacle that was the Migingo conference with his Ugandan counterpart?

How could he take PS Francis Muthaura’s health lightly by talking about him not having gone on leave for the last ten years?

I am sure Muthaura was not happy with that statement. Mutua should be advised to learn to speak only the truth or keep quiet. That way, no harm will be done.

Now the H1N1 influenza is in Kenya, he should not comment.

{Benjamin Masenge, Gucha}

As a taxpayer, I would like to be told what Mutua’s job is. In an era of performance contracts, can we be told if he has signed one and what his targets are?

Why should a poor country — to use Mutua’s own words — continue to pay him a hefty salary when there are other professionals who deserve the money more?

I was appalled by his response to Kendo’s commentary that touched on the mishandling of Muthaura’s illness.

Mutua did not address the salient issues, choosing instead to accuse journalists of being bribed to finish him.

Who supervise this public servant, and how can we continue paying a man who does not add value?

{John Kowino, via e-mail}

Mutua’s invite to Kendo to join him for a cup of tea or soup so he can ‘enlighten’ him on the workings of Government is suspect.

In his Press briefings every Thursday, Mutua rarely answers all questions satisfactorily, preferring instead to ask journalists to tea so can provide ‘more answers’.

Mutua deals with journalists like he is doing them a favour. By talking about bribery, the Government Spokesperson casts aspersion on many hard working and honest individuals and media houses.

At this rate, his job should be re-advertised and he should re-apply with other interested applicants so we can be sure we are getting the best person for the job.

Journalists do not owe him any loyalties. They are only responsible to their employers and wananchi.

{Sylvanus Luchinga, Nairobi}