Kenya’s Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused the governments of Kenya and Uganda of escalating attacks on journalists and independent media ahead of the 2027 General Election, warning that press freedom in the region is under increasing threat.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Gachagua claimed journalists covering corruption, governance, and public accountability were facing intimidation, surveillance, and threats from state agencies. He alleged that media houses maintaining independent editorial policies were also coming under pressure.
The former deputy president cited several recent incidents, including the assault of a journalist during the June 25 protests in Nairobi and what he described as an attempted abduction of The Standard Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich in Nakuru on June 26. He also alleged that journalist Verah Moraa was under surveillance following her reporting on the government.
“It is further alarming that, a few days ago, journalists attached to Mediamax Limited were sanctioned for physical and online bullying by State operatives and bloggers. Their safety and privacy were compromised and exposed,” read part of the report
Beyond Kenya, Gachagua condemned the closure of Ugandan media outlets, including NTV Uganda, Spark TV, and the Daily Monitor, describing the developments as evidence of a wider regional crackdown on independent journalism.
“Further, I strongly condemn the closure of NTV Uganda, Spark TV and Daily Monitor by Uganda’s Military Chief, General Muhoozi, who is the son of President Yoweri Museveni. He is a close confidant of Mr. William Ruto. By association, Ruto is part and parcel of this shutdown. The pattern of media crackdown can be seen by even the blind,” the statement adds
NTV Uganda under the Nation Media Group, NMG, was shut down over the weekend following an order by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kaineragaba to shut down the group’s media outlets, sparking criticisms from media stakeholders, Human Rights Groups and members of the public.
Other NMG-owned outlets affected by the shutdown include Dembe FM, KFM, The East African, and the Daily Monitor, raising concerns over media freedom and the role of security agencies in regulating news organizations. Authorities in Uganda say the disruption of operations in the affected media outlets was informed by a security-led inquiry ordered by President Yoweri Museveni himself
Gachagua has called on the Kenya Editors Guild, East African press councils, the United Nations, and international organisations that defend journalists’ rights to closely monitor developments in Kenya and Uganda and to support efforts to protect journalists and media organisations.
The press release adds, “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 assault on the members of the 4th Estate.”
He has also urged journalists and editors to remain committed to independent reporting despite what he described as growing pressure, saying a free and independent media remains essential for accountability and democratic governance, particularly as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election.
“You are the last line of defense for the 55 million Kenyans. 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.”
