Former Kenya Defense Forces spokesman Colonel (Rtd) Cyrus Oguna made his debut as de facto Government Spokesman on Thursday, over a week after his appointment.
In his address, the first in as many years to the media, Oguna focused on government growth in relation to President Uhuru Kenyatta's ongoing trip at Rwanda. He said technology is fundamental in the improvement of growth.
Colonel Oguna also urged Kenyans to list for Huduma Namba, a move which he said would allow the government to effectively plan for her population. He also reminded journalists to refer to him as retired Colonel.
“I am really delighted to serve the country in this position that I have been offered by the government of Kenya…. I should point that I am now retired from the military, meaning as you refer to me, you need to refer to me as Colonel Retired Cyrus Oguna the Government Spokesperson,” he said.
At the function, Oguna asked journalists to stick to impartiality, accuracy and fairness in their reporting to avoid cases of misleading the public.
He served as KDF spokesman when Kenya invaded Somalia in 2011. He held the post for three years. In 2014, he was transferred to Tanzania as a Defense Attaché. ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru appointed him to the position last week, replacing Erick Kiraithe.
“Colonel (Rtd) Oguna shall have oversight role of all Government of Kenya communications channels under the Ministry of ICT.
"These include; Directorate of Information and all County and Sub-county information officers, Department of Public communication and all the officers seconded to various ministries and government agencies, National Government Communication centre and the Government media centre,” read part of the statement.