Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto’s administration of allegedly planning to shut down media houses critical of the government and targeting journalists linked to sensitive political reporting.
Speaking during a press conference on Monday, June 30 at his Wamunyoro residence, Gachagua claimed that journalists working with the Standard Media Group have come under pressure following what he described as critical reporting on the government.
He specifically pointed to a story titled “The Gallery of Ruto’s Lies”, produced by journalist Vera Moraa, alleging that the report had angered the President and resulted in her being trailed by security operatives around the clock.
Gachagua warned that any harm to the journalist would be directly attributed to President Ruto, insisting that the state must be held accountable for her safety.
“I am aware that the journalist, Vera Murara, who did these stories at the trial by security forces, 24 hours every day, and if anything happens to Vera, William Ruto must be held to account,” he said.
He further argued that the alleged actions amount to a violation of press freedom as protected under Article 34 of the Constitution, which guarantees media independence.
Gachagua also extended his claims to include presidential advisor Moses Kuria, alleging that he had issued threats against media practitioners, particularly journalists linked to Mediamax Limited, including Kameme FM journalists Muthoni Wakirumba and Tony Wambugua. He claimed the journalists had faced intimidation from individuals he described as state operatives and allied bloggers.
“It is further alarming that, some few days ago, journalists attached to MediaMax Ltd. were sanctioned for physical and online bullying by state operatives and bloggers,” Gachagua stated, adding that their safety and privacy had been compromised.
He further accused Kuria of issuing threats against journalists, intensifying concerns over media safety in the country.
In his remarks, Gachagua drew comparisons with Uganda, citing the shutdown of NTV Uganda and other media outlets by the country’s military leadership as an example of declining press freedom in the region.
He also alleged that President Ruto’s close relationship with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni mirrors a shared approach to controlling media space, claiming that similar tendencies are emerging in Kenya.
Additionally, he accused the government of targeting international media houses operating in the country, warning that press freedom in Kenya was under threat.
Despite his allegations, Gachagua reiterated his support for journalists and the broader media fraternity, calling for protection of press freedom as a cornerstone of democracy.