Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has raised concerns over what he describes as increasing threats to press freedom in Kenya, alleging that journalists, bloggers and independent media houses are facing intimidation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a press conference on Tuesday, Gachagua claimed that media practitioners reporting on corruption, governance and public accountability were increasingly being targeted through threats, harassment and intimidation.
“We have witnessed a worrying pattern in Kenya where, ahead of general elections, journalists and bloggers become targets of unpopular regimes that fear the power of the people at the ballot,” Gachagua said.
The former deputy president cited an incident on June 25 in which a journalist was allegedly assaulted by a police officer while covering protests in Nairobi. He also claimed that armed men believed to be police officers attempted to abduct Standard Group Associate Editor Nixon Kiplimo in Nakuru on June 26, although the attempt was unsuccessful.
Gachagua further accused the government of interfering with media independence following the publication of reports critical of the administration.
“This attack is an open defiance of the truth and a direct assault on media freedom as guaranteed under Article 34 of the Constitution,” he said.
He alleged that several senior journalists and editors were under surveillance and warned that the government would be held accountable should any harm come to members of the press.
“I have received confidential information that some senior journalists and editors have been marked for intimidation and silencing. If anything happens to any journalist in Kenya, whether local or foreign, this government must take responsibility,” Gachagua said.
The former deputy president also alleged that journalists from a local media house had been subjected to physical and online harassment, while journalist Muthoni Wakirumba had reportedly received threats from political leaders.
He called on media owners, editors and journalists to remain united and defend editorial independence despite what he termed as growing pressure.
“We call on all media houses, journalists and editors to stand in solidarity with one another. Stand firm and speak the truth on behalf of Kenyans. You remain the last line of defence for the people as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election,” he said.
Gachagua also condemned recent restrictions on media operations in Uganda, warning that attacks on press freedom across East Africa pose a threat to democracy.
He urged the United Nations, international media freedom organizations and regional bodies to closely monitor developments in Kenya and Uganda, maintaining that freedom of expression and media freedom are protected under Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution.
