The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has thrown its support behind Citizen TV journalist Stephen Letoo, hours after he was verbally attacked by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
In an official statement sighted by Nairobi News, MCK strongly condemned remarks made publicly by Gachagua on December 3, accusing the journalist of being biased.
The council vehemently criticised the former DP for demanding Letoo’s dismissal from Royal Media Services.
According to MCK, Gachagua’s attack against the journalist was both dangerous and reckless.
ALSO READ: Ex DP Gachagua now woos Sifuna, Babu Owino to join DCP
The council warned that singling out journalists by name, as Gachagua did, puts their safety and lives at risk.
“Such targeted attacks on individual journalists by senior political figures are utterly unacceptable and pose a direct threat to their safety and lives in a climate already fraught with insecurity at political rallies, church gatherings, and public events,” MCK said.
The Media Council emphasised that journalists must be free to scrutinise political leaders, examine their records and report facts without fear or favour, especially as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.
“When figures who claim to champion democracy resort to intimidation and demand the sacking of journalists simply for fulfilling their constitutional duty, they must be unequivocally condemned,” the council added.
MCK reminded Gachagua and all political leaders that media freedom and the safety of journalists are enshrined in Article 34 of the Constitution and remain fundamental to Kenya’s democracy.
The council also urged current and former leaders to immediately stop targeting, threatening or inciting harm against journalists and called on law enforcement agencies to provide adequate protection to media workers facing growing risks.
“The media will not be silenced by intimidation. Those seeking public office must accept scrutiny rather than attempt to suppress it,” MCK stated.
ALSO READ: Kenyans Maul Rigathi Gachagua After Mourning Comedian Mr KK Mwenyewe Who Used To Mimmic Him In Skits
As earlier reported by sections of the Kenyan media, Gachagua made the remarks on Wednesday, December 3, during the celebration and unveiling of newly elected Members of County Assembly (MCAs), where he labelled Letoo as “the worst journalist.”
The comments followed his address during a Thanksgiving ceremony for the newly elected MCA for Kariobangi North on Sunday, November 30, which was marked by chaos.
“Stephen Letoo filed a very biased report on Sunday. And you were personally there. Criminals attacked us in church and were driven away by church members,” Gachagua said.
His sentiments sparked widespread criticism, with many Kenyans calling on relevant bodies to take action against him.
FOLLOW NAIROBI NEWS ON FACEBOOK
