The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has condemned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for publicly attacking Citizen TV reporter Stephen Letoo.
In a press statement released on Thursday, December 4, the council described Gachaguas' statements as reckless and dangerous. The council warned that singling out reporters by senior political figures could incite violence and put the journalists in serious personal danger.
MCK noted that such attacks are concerning as the country nears the 2027 general elections, a period where media security is crucial.
“Singling out a journalist by name constitutes incitement and places him in grave personal danger,” the statement read.
“Such targeted attacks on individual journalists by senior political figures are utterly unacceptable and pose a direct threat to their safety and lives,” the Council said.
Gachagua, on December 3, labelled Letoo the worst journalist, accused him of bias, and called for his dismissal by Royal Media Services, the parent company of Citizen TV.
This was after Letoo reported an incident where there was a clash in a church where Gachagua attended, and the police lobbed teargas to separate rival supporters.
Gachagua accused Letoo and other media outlets of what he termed as outright lies and falsehoods.
“I want to talk to Citizen TV. Stephen Letoo filed a very biased report on Sunday. And you were personally there,” Gachagua stated, expressing his disappointment.
“I am a fan of Citizen TV and RMS, but I want to report my disappointment with Letoo for that fake news filed on Sunday,” he continued.
The media council reminded all political actors that media freedom and journalists’ safety are enshrined in Article 34 of the Kenyan Constitution. It also urged law enforcement agencies to provide security for media workers experiencing risks.
“The media will not be silenced by intimidation. Those seeking public office must accept scrutiny rather than attempting to suppress it,” the statement concluded.
