Standard Group fires back at President Ruto over public criticism, defends editorial independence

The Standard Media Group building in Nairobi. (Photo: Handout)

By Rachael Mutabasi
Wednesday, June 24, 2026

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Standard Group has strongly defended its editorial independence after President William Ruto publicly criticised the media house on X, insisting its reporting is guided by facts, public interest and professional ethics.

The Standard Group has responded to comments made by President William Ruto on X, where he publicly criticised the media house.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the company defended its journalism and editorial independence, saying the President’s remarks unfairly characterised its work and raised broader concerns about the operating environment for the media.

The response was prompted by a post on X in which President Ruto directly referenced The Standard.

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“The Standard stands for bold, responsible and accountable journalism. We tell the facts as they are, even when they are uncomfortable for those in positions of authority,” the statement said.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to holding leaders accountable, adding that it would continue scrutinising government performance.

Responding to the President’s assertion that “Kenya belongs to all Kenyans,” The Standard said: “He is the country’s leader and when he fails, Kenya fails. But The Standard will not cheer on any such failure; we will instead point it out.”

The statement further rejected claims that it serves partisan interests, saying: “The Standard is not a propaganda outlet. Our journalism is guided by facts, public interest and professional ethics.”

It also referenced President Ruto’s past remarks during a Safari Rally event in Naivasha, where he underscored the importance of media freedom and the right of the press to criticise those in power, saying the media house was holding him to that commitment.

Separately, The Standard alleged that the government owes it Sh1.2 billion in outstanding payments, which it says has affected its operations.