NAIROBI, Kenya – People’s Party leader Ndindi Nyoro has expressed solidarity with the Standard Group following a confrontation involving protesters and human rights activists outside the media company’s headquarters along Mombasa Road on Friday.
Nyoro criticised what he described as a raid on the Standard Group premises, saying media organisations should be allowed to operate without restrictions.
“The cowardly act by this regime to raid the Standard Group is unfortunate and unacceptable,” Nyoro said in a statement shared on social media.
He said free media should be allowed to operate and continue informing Kenyans without limitation.
Nyoro Backs Standard, KTN
Nyoro said the People’s Party stood in solidarity with the Standard Group and its media outlets, including KTN, The Standard and Spice FM.
“People’s Party is in full solidarity with the Standard Group and all their outlets including KTN, The Standard, Spice FM and all others. Keep doing what you do. We are always looking forward to the next Headline,” he said.
His remarks came after a group of protesters gathered outside the Standard Group headquarters on Friday morning over the media house’s coverage of President William Ruto and his administration.
The Standard Group said the protesters purported to represent President Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration and accused the media company of publishing coverage critical of the government. The media organisation said some protesters attempted to enter its premises but were prevented from doing so.
Activists Counter Protest
The demonstration was later met by human rights activists who gathered outside the headquarters in support of the media organisation and press freedom.
Images from the scene showed the two groups facing off outside the Standard Group premises, with activists carrying Kenyan flags.
The Standard Group condemned the protest, saying threats and intimidation against journalists and media organisations have no place in a society that protects freedom of expression and the media.
The company said it would continue carrying out its journalistic duties despite the confrontation.
