The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has issued a strong condemnation of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua following remarks he made on December 3, 2025, targeting Citizen TV journalist Stephen Letoo.
In the comments, Gachagua reportedly labelled Letoo “the worst journalist,” accused him of bias, and demanded that Royal Media Services dismiss him.
In a statement released on Thursday, MCK described Gachagua’s remarks as “reckless and dangerous,” warning that such public attacks by senior political figures place journalists’ safety at risk and undermine media freedom.
The council emphasized that singling out a journalist by name—especially in the current climate of political tension—amounts to incitement and exposes media professionals to potential harm.
“With insecurity often escalating at political rallies, church gatherings, and public events, targeting a journalist publicly constitutes incitement and places him in grave personal danger,” MCK noted.
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The council underscored the crucial role of the media as Kenya moves closer to the 2027 General Election, arguing that journalists must be free to scrutinize political leaders and report without fear or favour. Intimidation of journalists, MCK said, is incompatible with democratic principles.
The statement reminded political actors, including Gachagua, that media freedom and journalists’ safety are guaranteed under Article 34 of the Constitution and are essential to Kenya’s democratic framework. MCK called on leaders—current and former—to refrain from threatening or inciting harm against members of the press.
Additionally, the council urged law-enforcement agencies to take action against statements that endanger journalists and to ensure adequate protection for media workers facing increasing risks while performing their duties.
“The media will not be silenced by intimidation. Those seeking public office must accept scrutiny rather than attempt to suppress it,” the council declared.