Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto’s administration of orchestrating a sustained crackdown on journalists and media houses.
He alleged that independent reporters are facing intimidation, threats and attempted abductions as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.
Mr. Gachagua claimed Kenya was witnessing an erosion of media freedom, Speaking during a press conference on Tuesday night, warning that attacks on journalists and independent media posed a threat to democracy and constitutional rights.
He alleged that journalists reporting on corruption, abuse of power and public accountability had become targets of intimidation and harassment, while media organizations maintaining independent editorial policies were increasingly coming under pressure.
Gachagua cited recent incidents, including an assault on a journalist during the June 25 demonstrations in Nairobi and what he described as an attempted abduction of a Standard Group editor in Nakuru by armed men believed to be police officers.
He also claimed several journalists had received threats following their reporting.
The former Deputy President further accused President Ruto of publicly attacking the Standard Media Group following investigative reports critical of his administration.
He alleged that investigative journalist Vera Mora had been placed under constant surveillance by security agencies, warning that the government would bear responsibility should any harm befall her.
Gachagua also claimed the government was planning to financially weaken some media houses through state advertising and eventually disrupt internet access ahead of the August 10, 2027 General Election. However, he did not provide evidence to support the allegations.
Citing Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution, Gachagua said freedom of expression and media freedom are constitutional rights that must be protected.
He urged journalists to remain steadfast in their work and resist intimidation, saying a free press remained the public’s “last line of defence.”
The opposition leader also condemned the reported closure of media outlets in Uganda, arguing that press freedom was increasingly under threat across the East African region.
He called on regional press bodies, the Kenya Editors Guild, the United Nations and international organizations that protect journalists to remain vigilant and speak out against attacks on the media.
Gachagua maintained that the government’s challenges stemmed from governance failures rather than media scrutiny, urging President Ruto to “leave journalists alone” and refrain from interfering with editorial independence.
He appealed to Kenyans to support the media, warning that attacks on press freedom ultimately threaten the rights of all citizens.
The government had not immediately responded to Gachagua’s allegations at the time of publication.
