Gachagua alleges crackdown on media, says journalists at risk ahead of 2027 polls

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto’s administration of suppressing media freedom and intimidating journalists ahead of the 2027 General Election, claiming some journalists and editors have been 'marked' for a crackdown over stories that are critical of the government.

According to Gachagua, the government is preparing to weaken media houses through financial pressure and other measures ahead of the polls. Addressing the media on Tuesday, he alleged that journalists covering corruption, abuse of the rule of law, misuse of public resources, and other sensitive issues were living under fear, intimidation and threats from state agencies.

“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. Some journalists or bloggers either disappear, are silenced, compromised, or killed altogether,” said Gachagua.

"It is shameful that those stifling the media are on a barrage of attacks on the media and are a product of the media and freedom of expression in Kenya... Journalists covering corruption stories, abuse of the rule of law, wanton looting of public resources and other beats and who have refused to be silenced, intimidated, or corrupted by the state live under perpetual fear, intimidation and daily threats from the state machinery.”

He accused the government of attacking media houses that maintain independent editorial policies, citing recent incidents involving journalists.

The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader also accused President Ruto of attacking the independence of the Standard Media Group after the publication of stories critical of the government.

“It is saddening and painfully unbearable that on June 24 and 25, 2026, President Ruto, on his official ex account, launched a barrage of scathing attacks on the independence of the Standard Media Group. This was after a series of uncomfortable stories about this regime, and more painfully to him was a story on William Ruto Gallery of Lies,” he said.

Gachagua said such actions amounted to an attack on freedom of expression and warned that journalists should not be blamed for reporting issues affecting the country.

“Ruto, the media does not live under your muscle privilege. If you think the media is your enemy, you are mistaken. Wait for August 10 next year," he said.

The former DP also raised concerns over threats against journalists attached to MediaMax Limited, saying some had been subjected to intimidation and abuse. He specifically mentioned several journalists, claiming they had faced threats from political figures and security agencies.

Gachagua also claimed that the government was planning to shut down some media houses, weaken others through reduced government advertising and interfere with internet access ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We are aware and informed of Ruto's plans to shut down some media houses, cripple others through the government advertising agency financially and slow down and eventually shut the internet on the 10th of August 2027,” he said.

He insisted that media freedom was a constitutional right and not a favour from the government.

“Press freedom is not a privilege granted by the state, but a right recognised under our Constitution. Articles 33 and 34 of our Constitution give the right to freedom of expression and freedom of the media, respectively,” Gachagua said.

He also criticised media restrictions in Uganda, claiming the situation showed a wider challenge facing press freedom in East Africa.

“I strongly condemn the closure of NTV Uganda, Spark TV, and Daily Monitor by Uganda's military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is the son of Kaguta Museveni. He is a close confidant of Ruto, and by association, Ruto is part and parcel of this shutdown,” he said.

Gachagua urged journalists, media houses and editors to remain firm and protect their independence, saying the media remained a key institution for citizens ahead of the next election.

“I want to assure journalists wherever they are that they are my full support, and I will be there for them at this very difficult time,” he said.

He argued that the government’s challenges were not caused by the media but by issues including economic difficulties, corruption, poor service delivery and failure to meet public expectations.

“The problem is not the media, it is fake promises, failure, lies, a failing economy, failed systems, poor service delivery, corruption, abuse of the rule of law, abductions, extra-judicial killings, and total failure of government,” Gachagua said.

He called on media organisations, the Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) and international bodies protecting journalists to defend press freedom.

“Do not be cowed, do not be threatened or intimidated. Stand firm and speak the truth for the people of Kenya,” he said.

Gachagua further urged Kenyans to pay attention to what he described as attacks on the media, warning that restrictions on journalists could later affect ordinary citizens.

“After this regime is done with the media, they'll come for you. So, please don't just stand by as the media is being intimidated and tormented,” he said. “A society must endure without a government for a while, but no free society can endure without a free media."