Tuesday, June 30,
2026 - Former Deputy President and DCP leader, Rigathi Gachagua, has
castigated President William Ruto for what he termed as attempts to undermine
press freedom following his recent attacks on the Standard Media Group and
former Baringo Senator, Gideon Moi.
Speaking on Tuesday, June 30th, Gachagua accused
Ruto of waging war against independent journalism after the Standard published
a series of critical stories, including one titled “William Ruto’s Gallery of
Lies.”
He argued that the President’s hostility towards the press
mirrors the behavior of unpopular regimes ahead of elections.
“This attack is an open defiance of truth and a total war on
the freedom of the media as stipulated under Article 34 of our Constitution,”
Gachagua declared.
"William Ruto, the media does not live under your mercy
or privilege. If you think the media is your enemy, you are mistaken; wait for
August 10th next year," He asserted.
He further alleged that journalist Vera Moraa, who authored
the expose, was being trailed by security operatives.
“If anything happens to Vera, William Ruto must be held to
account,” he warned, urging journalists to stand together and resist
intimidation.
Gachagua also accused the Government of attempting to
economically blackmail media houses through the state advertising agency.
His remarks came days after Ruto accused the Standard of
engaging in propaganda and blackmail against his administration.
In response, the Standard Media Group challenged the
President to provide evidence of the alleged blackmail and demanded payment of
outstanding advertisement revenue owed by the Government.
The Kenyan DAILY POST
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