Contrevesy strikes: How Kasmuel McOure’s episode shook the Mic Cheque podcast
The Mic Cheque Podcast, known for its engaging social and political conversations, recently found itself at the center of controversy after hosting Kasmuel McOure. The episode, titled “Ebang hagongi Ebang asigonge,” has sparked divided opinions among fans and netizens. The decision to feature McOure, a polarizing figure known for his unfiltered opinions and controversial stances, has led to significant backlash. Critics argue that the podcast prioritized sensationalism over meaningful conversations, with some fans and even scheduled guests opting to distance themselves from the show. The episode has sparked mixed reactions, with some defending the podcast’s commitment to free speech and open dialogue, while others criticized it harshly. One section of netizens supported the show’s decision, emphasizing the importance of hearing all sides, even if they disagree. The controversy has had a noticeable impact on the Mic Cheque Podcast. While the episode might generate high viewership numbers, it could cost the podcast its core audience in the long run. The hosts now face the challenge of balancing freedom of expression with accountability, as they navigate the delicate balance between engaging content and maintaining their audience’s trust.
The government has banned the procurement of promotional items such as t-shirts, power banks, and calendars using taxpayers’ money in the latest purge on non-essential spending.
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has written a memo to all principal secretaries and chief executive officers (CEOs) of State corporations instructing them to cut spending on all non-priority expenditure items.
He has directed them to cut the purchase of promotional items such as calendars, diaries, umbrellas, power banks, keyholders, bags, flasks, cups, shukas, notebooks, and other materials.
“Suspend and immediately cease the procurement, printing, and production of corporate wear; including but not limited to t-shirts, shirts, tracksuits, and any other branded clothing items,” said Mr Koskei.
Mr Koskei said that the directive is part of the government’s macroeconomic framework that seeks to cut spending by government entities to protect public coffers.
“The policy on fiscal consolidation is anchored upon enhanced revenue mobilisation as well as austerity measures underpinned by the rationalisation of non-priority expenditure and implemented in a manner that nevertheless protects essential development spending,” he added.
Bloated budget
A bloated budget has been a headache for President William Ruto since he assumed office in September 2022. He immediately announced a Sh300 billion cut on that year’s budget to create some fiscal space for the exchequer.
In October last year, the President also tightened the noose on lavish spending on non-essential travel by government officials.
In the new guidelines, foreign travel is only funded by the government where the State’s participation is part of the fulfilment of its obligations and to carry out critical engagements.
Mr Koskei’s directive comes at a time when the government is in a tough fix as revenue collection is lagging behind target, which means that cutting spending could give the exchequer some respite.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has, for instance, collected Sh1.374 trillion in tax revenues up to February, which is equivalent to 55 percent of the Sh2.495 trillion target for the full financial year ending June.
This means that to hit the tax collection target for the year, KRA will have to collect Sh1.121 trillion between March and June, which is an average of Sh280.25 billion monthly.
As part of its fiscal consolidation plan, the Treasury has set its eyes on enhanced efficiency of public investments, better targeting of subsidies and transfers, addressing weakness in State corporations, and digital delivery of public services.
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