Just days after labeling Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba a “four-star brat,” Kenya’s The Standard has made a surprising U-turn, releasing a glowing profile highlighting his accomplishments.
The shift comes after a backlash from Muhoozi’s supporters in the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), who had demanded an apology for the initial story, titled “Four-star brat: Why Muhoozi, the tweeting general, could fuel anger and division in DRC talks.”
Gen Muhoozi himself did not take the remarks lightly, responding strongly on social media platform X. He warned, “I won’t have to do anything against those nincompoops! My big brother William Ruto (President of Kenya) will arrest all of them by Monday morning. Jeopardizing our great relations is criminal and an enemy action.”
The General went further, taking aim at The Standard’s ownership, alleging that Gideon Moi, the prominent Kenyan politician and businessman, was behind the publication. “I hear Standard Kenya is owned by Gideon Moi. He thinks abusing me is a simple thing? He will never make a shilling in Uganda again! We are going for ALL his businesses,” Muhoozi posted.
In a dramatic turn of events, The Standard has now released a thread on X, painting a much more flattering image of Gen Muhoozi.
“GENERAL MUHOOZI: Following our publication on Muhoozi Kainerugaba, fresh details have emerged on the General known for being both tough and fun. Muhoozi, reputed to mean business, is respected by his peers and across the rank and file. Yet, he also has a taste for the finer things in life,” the newspaper posted.
The abrupt change in narrative has raised eyebrows, with speculation mounting over whether political pressure influenced the newspaper’s stance. Some analysts believe that diplomatic considerations between Kenya and Uganda may have played a role, given the strong economic and security ties between the two nations.
As the conversation continues online, it remains to be seen whether this reversal will satisfy Muhoozi’s supporters or if further tensions will arise between the Ugandan military leader and Kenyan media.