Gachagua Condemns Alleged Crackdown On Press, Defends Editorial Independence
Politics Updated: 30 June 2026 16:08 EAT
Photo Courtesy: DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua speaking during a consultation meeting at his Wamunyoro home
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto's administration of orchestrating a systematic crackdown on media freedom, alleging that journalists, bloggers and independent media houses are facing intimidation, threats and harassment ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Addressing a press conference, Gachagua said he had convened the briefing to raise what he described as "serious concerns to the people of Kenya on media crackdown and suppression of media freedom by William Ruto and this rogue administration." He claimed the situation in Kenya mirrors a wider pattern of shrinking press freedoms in parts of East Africa.
He alleged that journalists and bloggers have historically become targets whenever governments fear losing elections, saying, "Ahead of general elections, journalists and bloggers get targeted by unpopular regimes that fear the power of the people at the ballot. Some journalists or bloggers either disappear, they are silenced, compromised or killed altogether."
Gachagua claimed investigative journalists covering corruption, abuse of the rule of law and alleged misuse of public resources are living under constant intimidation. He alleged that reporters who refuse to be silenced or compromised by the State operate under "perpetual fear, intimidation and daily threats from the state machinery."
The former Deputy President also alleged that independent media organisations have increasingly come under pressure because of their editorial policies. He argued that media houses committed to independent reporting have become targets for criticism and intimidation.
Referring to demonstrations held on June 25, 2026, Gachagua alleged that a police officer assaulted a journalist in Nairobi while the reporter was covering events. He further claimed that on June 26, four armed men believed to be police officers attempted to abduct Standard Group Nakuru-based associate editor Nixon Ng'ang'a, although he said the alleged attempt was unsuccessful. These allegations have not been independently verified by authorities.
Gachagua also criticised President Ruto over comments directed at Standard Media Group following its reporting. He claimed the President's remarks amounted to "an open defiance to truth and total war on the freedom of media as stipulated under Article 34 of our Constitution."
He further alleged that journalist Vera Morara, whom he said authored one of the stories criticised by the President, was under constant surveillance by security agencies. Gachagua stated, "If anything happens to Vera, William Ruto must be held to account." The government has not publicly responded to this allegation.
The former Deputy President further alleged that journalists attached to MediaMax Limited had recently faced coordinated online and physical harassment. He specifically mentioned journalists Mwangi Kirubi, Katon Obara and Mwende Njoka, claiming they had received threats from political actors and individuals he associated with the government. He also accused President Ruto's adviser Moses Kuria of issuing threats against Njoka. Neither Kuria nor the government had publicly responded to the claims at the time of his remarks.
Gachagua further alleged that the government was planning to financially weaken some media houses through reductions in government advertising while also planning to interfere with internet access during the 2027 election period. He did not provide evidence to support the allegations, and the government has not announced any such plans.
Invoking constitutional protections, Gachagua said press freedom is guaranteed under Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution and argued that freedom of expression is a constitutional right rather than a privilege granted by the State. He urged journalists to continue reporting independently despite what he described as growing pressure.
He also condemned the closure of NTV Uganda, Spark TV and Daily Monitor by Ugandan authorities, linking the developments to what he termed a broader regional trend of suppressing independent media. He alleged that President Ruto was politically aligned with Uganda's leadership on issues affecting press freedom, an allegation for which he did not present evidence.
Gachagua appealed to the Kenya Editors Guild, media owners, editors and journalists to remain united in defending editorial independence. He urged media practitioners not to succumb to intimidation, telling them to "stand firm and speak the truth for the people of Kenya."
He also called on the United Nations and international organisations that promote press freedom to closely monitor developments in Kenya and Uganda, arguing that journalists require greater protection as the region approaches key electoral processes.
The former Deputy President concluded by urging Kenyans to support independent journalism, saying the media remains "the last line of defence" for citizens. He warned against any attempts to weaken the Fourth Estate, arguing that a democratic society depends on a free and independent press.
The government had not formally responded to Gachagua's latest allegations at the time of publication. His remarks therefore represent political claims and allegations made during his press conference. Some of the incidents and assertions he cited remain unverified or disputed, while Kenya's Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and media freedom under Articles 33 and 34.
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FELIX MAKONA
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