NAIROBI, Kenya- Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto’s administration of orchestrating a sustained crackdown on journalists and media houses, warning that press freedom in Kenya is under increasing threat as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.
In a 32-point statement issued on Tuesday, Gachagua said that the government was targeting journalists, bloggers and independent media organisations through intimidation, threats and attempted abductions in an effort to suppress critical reporting.
“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.
He said journalists covering corruption, governance and public finance issues were living under constant intimidation and accused the government of attempting to silence independent newsrooms.
The former Deputy President linked his claims to recent incidents involving journalists, including the assault of a journalist during the June 25 protests in Nairobi and the attempted abduction of Standard Group Nakuru-based Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich on June 26.
Gachagua also criticised President Ruto over his recent public attacks on Standard Group following the broadcaster’s coverage of his administration, including a report titled William Ruto Gallery of Lies.
“I am aware that the journalist, Verah Moraa, who did this story is under trail by security forces 24 hours a day and if anything happens to her, President William Ruto must be held to account,” he alleged.
He further said the government was planning to financially weaken some media houses through the Government Advertising Agency (GAA), shut down others and disrupt internet access during the 2027 General Election. Gachagua did not provide evidence to support those allegations.
The DCP leader also condemned the recent suspension of broadcasting operations by Uganda’s Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda and Spark TV following directives issued by Uganda’s military leadership, claiming there was a growing pattern of media repression across East Africa.
He urged the Kenya Editors Guild, media owners, journalists and regional press freedom organisations to remain vigilant and defend editorial independence.
“You are the last line of defence for the 55 million Kenyans,” Gachagua said, calling on journalists not to succumb to intimidation ahead of the 2027 elections.
His remarks come amid heightened concern from local and international media rights organisations over the safety of journalists covering protests and governance issues in Kenya.
Several press freedom groups have recently called for investigations into attacks on journalists and urged authorities to uphold constitutional protections for freedom of expression and media independence.