Former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, has accused President William Ruto's government of plotting to shut down media houses critical of the regime.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

While speaking during a press conference on June 30 in his Wamunyoro residence, he claimed journalists attached to the Standard Media Group (SMG) have come under attack following uncomfortable stories about the administration.

Gachagua singled out a story on what he called ‘The Gallery of Ruto's Lies’, produced by Vera Moraa, as painful to President Ruto, and as a result, she is reportedly being trailed by security operatives around the clock.

Gachagua warned that should anything happen to Murara, President Ruto would be held personally accountable for her safety.

📌 What You Need to Know

“I am aware that the journalist, Vera Murara, who did these stories at the trial by security forces, 24 hours every day, and if anything happens to Vera, William Ruto must be held to account,” stated Gachagua.

He termed the alleged crackdown a direct defiance of press freedom, which is protected under Article 34 of the Constitution.

He extended the accusations to include Moses Kuria, the presidential advisor, whom he linked to alleged threats against media practitioners, especially journalists affiliated to Mediamax Limited’s Kameme FM;  Kameme Radio journalist Muthoni Wakirumba and her colleague Tony Wambugua, and were named among those who have endured verbal and physical intimidation from state operatives.

“It is further alarming that, some few days ago, journalists attached to MediaMax Ltd. were sanctioned for physical and online bullying by state operatives and bloggers,” stated Gachagua.

“Their safety and privacy were compromised, particularly with President Ruto's advisor of the mountain region, Moses Kuria, who has given threats to Muthoni Wakirumba.”

Gachagua used the same opportunity to draw parallels with the media freedom situation in Uganda, where  NTV-Uganda and its sister stations  were shut down by Uganda’s military Chief, General Muhoozi.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke