Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accused President William Ruto’s administration of carrying out a sustained crackdown on journalists and media houses. He said the alleged attacks aim to curb press freedom ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Gachagua claimed Kenya is now experiencing a growing pattern of intimidation targeting journalists, bloggers, and independent media outlets. He added that the trend reflects developments he has seen in other East African countries.
He said reporters who cover corruption, abuse of power and public accountability increasingly face intimidation, threats and harassment.
“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,” Gachagua said.
The DCP founder also pointed to an incident on June 25, when he alleged a journalist was assaulted by a police officer while covering protests in Nairobi.
Gachagua also alleged that on June 26, armed men believed to be police officers tried to abduct Standard Group associate editor Nixon Kiplimo in Nakuru, but the attempt failed.
He further accused President Ruto of undermining the editorial independence of the Standard Media Group after the outlet published stories critical of his administration.
“This attack is an open defiance to truth and total war on the freedom of the media, as stipulated in Article 34 of the Constitution,” he said.
The former deputy president added that authorities have placed several journalists under surveillance. He warned that the government would be held accountable if any harm comes to members of the press.
“I have been informed in confidence that some top journalists and editors have been marked for crackdown and silenced. If anything happens to any journalist in Kenya, whether a foreigner or a resident, this government must account for it,” he said.
Gachagua also said journalists associated with MediaMax have faced both physical and online harassment. He further alleged that journalist Muthoni Wakirumba received threats from political leaders.
He urged media houses, editors, and journalists to stay united and protect editorial independence despite what he described as growing state pressure.
“We call on all media houses, journalists, and editors to stand in solidarity with one another. Stand firm and speak the truth for the people of Kenya. You are the last line of defense for Kenyans ahead of the 2027 General Election,” he said.
The former deputy president also condemned Uganda’s recent suspension of media operations. He warned that crackdowns on press freedom across East Africa threaten democracy in the region.
He called on the United Nations, international media freedom organizations and regional bodies to monitor developments in Kenya and Uganda and to support journalists who face intimidation.
Gachagua maintained that freedom of expression and media freedom remain protected under Articles 33 and 34 of Kenya’s Constitution. He urged Kenyans not to stay silent in the face of what he described as an assault on the media.
