The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has issued a scathing condemnation of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of making reckless, dangerous and intimidation-laden remarks targeting Citizen TV journalist Stephen Letoo — comments the regulator warns could jeopardise not only media freedom but the personal safety of journalists.
Gachagua, during a December 3, 2025 public event, named Letoo and labelled him “the worst journalist,” accusing him of biased reporting and urging Royal Media Services to fire him. MCK says that crossed from criticism into clear intimidation.
According to the Council, attacks of this nature — especially from a powerful political figure — “endanger the safety of individual journalists and undermine Kenya’s democratic principles.”
MCK noted that journalists in Kenya already operate under volatile conditions, especially during political rallies, church events and charged public gatherings that frequently erupt into violence.
“In a climate already fraught with insecurity at political rallies, church gatherings, and public events… singling out a journalist by name constitutes incitement and places him in grave personal danger,” the Council warned.
The regulator expressed concern over the timing of the attack — coming as the country gears up for the 2027 General Election, a season historically marked by political tension and hostility toward the press.
“Journalists must remain free to question leaders, interrogate their claims and provide factual reporting without intimidation,” MCK stated.
It added that any leader “who claims to champion democracy” but responds to media scrutiny with threats “must be unequivocally condemned.”
The Council further reminded political leaders that media freedom and the safety of journalists are protected under Article 34 of the Constitution and are non-negotiable.
MCK has urged political actors to stop targeting or threatening journalists, and called on law-enforcement agencies to monitor such remarks and protect media workers facing growing risks.
“The media will not be silenced by intimidation. Those seeking public office must accept scrutiny rather than attempt to suppress it,” the Council said.
Gachagua launched his attack during celebrations for newly elected Members of County Assembly (MCAs), accusing multiple media outlets of twisting his Sunday remarks.
He singled out Letoo for allegedly misreporting an incident at a Thanksgiving service in Kariobangi North on November 30.
“Stephen Letoo filed a very biased report on Sunday. And you were personally there,” Gachagua said as he recounted clashes during the event.
According to him, attackers stormed the church, were repelled by congregants, but later returned with alleged police backing — a version he insists Letoo “distorted” in his coverage.
“Then Letoo files a report that the police came to separate the gangs who were fighting. That’s a lie,” he charged.
As tensions rise ahead of 2027, the showdown between political heavyweights and the media appears to be intensifying — and MCK is signalling a firm stance: attacks on journalists will not go unchallenged.
