MCK Condemns Rigathi Gachagua Over Attack on Journalist Stephen Letoo
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has strongly criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for publicly attacking Citizen TV senior reporter Stephen Letoo.
The council released a detailed statement on Thursday, December 4, warning that such remarks from high-ranking political leaders are dangerous and could expose journalists to real harm.
In its statement, MCK described Gachagua’s comments as reckless, dangerous, and completely unacceptable, especially at a time when Kenya is steadily approaching the 2027 general elections.
The council noted that tensions usually rise during election seasons, making the safety and independence of journalists even more important.
According to MCK, directly mentioning and targeting a journalist by name amounts to incitement, as it can fuel hostility and endanger the journalist’s life.
The council stressed that when senior political figures single out reporters, their supporters may interpret the criticism as permission to attack or intimidate the journalists involved.
“Calling out a journalist by name amounts to incitement and puts him at serious personal risk,” the council warned. “These personalised attacks on journalists by political leaders are completely unacceptable and pose a direct threat to their safety and even their lives.”
Gachagua issued the attack on December 3, accusing Letoo of being biased and labelling him the “worst journalist.” He also demanded that Royal Media Services, the parent company of Citizen TV, dismiss him.
His remarks came after Letoo covered an incident in a church where rival groups clashed, prompting police to fire teargas to separate them.
Gachagua disputed the report and accused Letoo, along with other media houses, of spreading what he called lies and misleading information.
“I want to address Citizen TV. Stephen Letoo filed a very biased report on Sunday, and he was even there personally,” Gachagua complained.
He added that although he is a fan of Citizen TV and the Royal Media group, he felt deeply disappointed by what he described as Letoo’s “fake news.”
MCK used the opportunity to remind all political leaders that media freedom and the protection of journalists are clear constitutional rights under Article 34 of the Kenyan Constitution.
The council urged law enforcement agencies to step in and provide security whenever journalists face threats or intimidation.
In its concluding remarks, the council insisted that the media will continue performing its watchdog role and will not be intimidated into silence.
“The media will not be silenced through threats or intimidation. Those who seek public office must be willing to face scrutiny instead of trying to shut it down,” the statement emphasized.
The council reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom, encouraging journalists to continue reporting truthfully and fearlessly despite pressure from political figures.
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