By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, June 30 ,2026 -Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto's administration of attempting to suppress media freedom, urging journalists and editors to resist intimidation and safeguard the country's democracy ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a press conference at his Wamunyoro home in Mathira Constituency, Nyeri County, on Tuesday, Gachagua alleged that the government had weakened key oversight institutions and was now targeting the media, which he described as the public's "last line of defence."
"You have captured all institutions. You have punctured the Opposition immediately after you got into power. Please leave the 55 million Kenyans with the media as their last line of defence," Gachagua said in a direct appeal to President Ruto.
He urged media houses, journalists and editors to remain united and uphold professional ethics despite what he termed growing pressure from the State.
"I call on all media houses, the journalists and the editors, to stand in solidarity with one another. Do not be cowed. Do not be threatened or intimidated. Stand firm and speak the truth for the people of Kenya," he said.
The former Deputy President described the media as a critical pillar in protecting democratic governance, particularly as the country prepares for the next General Election.
"Ahead of the 2027 General Elections, as you observe your code of ethics to report elections, be forthright and do not allow the State to capture or subvert the will of the people," he said.
Gachagua also appealed to the Kenya Editors Guild to defend editorial independence and protect journalists from alleged harassment.
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"The Kenya Editors Guild must stand firm and protect editorial independence. You must shield your members and stand for Kenya. Your members must be safe and their rights protected," he said.
He further called on the United Nations and international organisations that advocate for press freedom to monitor what he described as increasing attacks on journalists in Kenya and Uganda.
"Please do not let the excesses of this regime kill your journalism. I call on the United Nations and intergovernmental bodies that protect journalists not to shut their eyes on Kenya and Uganda as we witness targeted assaults on members of the Fourth Estate," he said.
Gachagua concluded by urging Kenyans to defend press freedom, warning that any successful attempt to silence the media would ultimately threaten the rights and freedoms of all citizens.
"A society may endure without a government for a while, but no free society can endure without a free media. After this regime is done with the media, they'll come for you. Do not just stand by as the media is being intimidated and tormented," he said.