The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has strongly criticised remarks by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after he publicly accused Citizen TV journalist Stephen Letoo of bias and urged Royal Media Services to sack him.
In a statement on Thursday, the council termed the attack “reckless and dangerous,” saying that singling out a journalist by name especially by a senior political figure exposes them to intimidation and potential harm. MCK noted that the situation is especially worrying given recent tensions and insecurity witnessed at political rallies and public events.
Gachagua made the comments during an event celebrating newly elected MCAs on December 3, where he called Letoo “the worst journalist.” His remarks followed a Sunday Thanksgiving ceremony in Kariobangi North, which ended in chaos, with Gachagua accusing Letoo of filing a “biased” report despite witnessing the incident firsthand.
MCK urged political leaders to respect press freedom as guaranteed under Article 34 of the Constitution, emphasizing that journalists have a responsibility to question those in power, report facts, and scrutinize public conduct without fear.
The council said Kenya’s democracy cannot function if journalists are intimidated or pressured for doing their job. It also called on security agencies to ensure proper protection for media workers who face rising risks in the run-up to the 2027 General Election.
“The media will not be silenced by threats or name-calling. Leaders seeking public support must accept scrutiny, not attempt to suppress it,” MCK said.
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