Ex-DP to Ruto: Blame yourself, not the media

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has raised concerns over the infringement of media freedom.

Gachagua warned that intimidation of journalists and independent media houses could undermine public access to information ahead of the General Election.

Speaking at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri yesterday, the DCP leader accused President William Ruto's administration of orchestrating a campaign against the Press, arguing that a free media was critical for transparency and accountability as the country heads into an election season.

"We have had a bad pattern in Kenya that ahead of General Elections, journalists and bloggers get targeted by unpopular regimes that fear the power of the people at the ballot. Some journalists disappear, others are silenced, compromised or even killed altogether," he said.

The opposition leader argued that any attempts to intimidate the media risk depriving Kenyans of independent reporting at a time when voters will be relying on accurate information to make electoral decisions.

His remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of relations between the government and sections of the media following recent public exchanges between President Ruto and the Standard Group Plc over a series of investigative reports meant to keep the government in check.

While the President criticised the media house and one of its shareholders, the Standard Group has maintained that it was discharging its constitutional responsibility of holding those in power to account.

Against that backdrop, Gachagua claimed criticism of media organisations had evolved into direct pressure on journalists.

"If you think the media is your enemy, you are mistaken. Wait for August next year," he said reference to next year's elections.

“The problem is not the media, it is fake promises, failure, lies, a failing economy, failed systems, poor service delivery, corruption, abuse of the rule of law, abductions, extra-judicial killings, and total failure of government.” 

He called on media organisations, the Kenya Editors Guild and international bodies protecting journalists to defend press freedom.

“Do not be cowed, do not be threatened or intimidated. Stand firm and speak the truth for the people of Kenya,” he said.

The party leader alleged that journalists covering corruption, governance and public accountability were increasingly  operating under fear due to constant surveillance by security agencies.

"Journalists who refuse to be silenced or compromised by the State now live under perpetual fear, intimidation and daily threats from the State machinery," he said.

He cited incidents pointing to a shrinking civic space, including assault of a journalist while covering the Thursday protests in Nairobi and an attempted abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich in Nakuru a day later.

He further alleged that journalists attached to MediaMax Ltd had faced coordinated online and physical harassment, while accusing President Ruto's adviser Moses Kuria of threatening some reporters.

Invoking Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution, Gachagua said freedom of expression and media are fundamental rights that should not be curtailed.

"Stand firm and speak the truth for the people of Kenya. You are the last line of defence for Kenyans ahead of the 2027 General Election," he said.