Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that President William Ruto's administration is orchestrating a plan to silence media outlets it perceives as critical of the government.
Addressing the press at his Wamunyoro residence on Tuesday, June 30, Gachagua claimed journalists working for Standard Group Limited were being targeted over stories that cast the government in a negative light.
He specifically referenced a report dubbed 'The Gallery of Ruto's Lies', produced by Vera Moraa, saying it had angered President Ruto.
According to Gachagua, the journalist has since been placed under constant surveillance by security officers.
He further warned that President Ruto would bear personal responsibility should any harm befall Moraa.
“I am aware that the journalist, Vera Moraa, who did these stories is being trailed by security forces, 24 hours every day, and if anything happens to Vera, William Ruto must be held to account,” stated Gachagua.
Gachagua described the alleged actions as a violation of press freedom guaranteed under Article 34 of the Constitution.
He also accused presidential adviser Moses Kuria of being linked to alleged intimidation of journalists, particularly those working for Mediamax Limited.
Gachagua named Kameme FM journalist Muthoni Wakirumba and her colleague Gatonye wa Mbugua as among media practitioners who had allegedly faced both verbal and physical harassment from state operatives.
“It is further alarming that, some few days ago, journalists attached to MediaMax Ltd. were sanctioned for physical and online bullying by state operatives and bloggers,” stated Gachagua.
“Their safety and privacy were compromised and exposed...particularly with President Ruto's advisor on the persecution of the mountain region, Moses Kuria, who has given threats to Muthoni Wakirumba.”
During the same press briefing, Gachagua compared the situation to developments in Uganda, where NTV Uganda and its sister stations were shut down under orders from Uganda's military chief, General Muhoozi.
He further alleged that President Ruto played a role in the closure of Ugandan media houses, claiming his relationship with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni was “cut from the same cloth.”
Gachagua also accused President Ruto of extending his influence by going after international media organisations operating in Kenya, arguing that the country had reached a new low even as he reiterated his support for the local media fraternity.
