Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Gachagua claimed Kenya was witnessing an escalating pattern of intimidation against journalists, bloggers and independent media outlets, which he said mirrors trends in other East African countries.
He alleged that journalists covering corruption, abuse of power and public accountability were increasingly facing intimidation, threats and harassment.
“We have had a bad pattern in Kenya that ahead of general elections, journalists and bloggers get targeted by unpopular regimes that fear the power of the people at the ballot,” Gachagua said.
He cited an incident on June 25 in which a journalist was allegedly assaulted by a police officer while covering protests in Nairobi.
Gachagua also alleged that on June 26, armed men believed to be police officers attempted to abduct Standard Group Associate Editor Nixon Kiplimo in Nakuru, although the attempt was unsuccessful.
He further accused President Ruto of attacking the editorial independence of the Standard Media Group following the publication of stories critical of his administration.
“This attack is an open defiance to truth and total war on the freedom of the media, as stipulated in Article 34 of the Constitution,” he said.
The former deputy president claimed several journalists were under surveillance and warned that the government would be held responsible should any harm befall members of the press.
“I have been informed in confidence that some top journalists and editors have been marked for crackdown and silenced. If anything happens to any journalist in Kenya, whether a foreigner or a resident, this government must account for it,” he said.
Gachagua also claimed journalists attached to MediaMax had faced physical and online harassment, while alleging that journalist Muthoni Wakirumba had received threats from political leaders.
He urged media houses, editors and journalists to remain united and safeguard editorial independence despite what he described as increasing pressure from the state.
“We call on all media houses, journalists and editors to stand in solidarity with one another. Stand firm and speak the truth for the people of Kenya. You are the last line of defence for Kenyans ahead of the 2027 General Election,” he said.
The former deputy president also condemned the recent suspension of media operations in Uganda, warning that attacks on press freedom across East Africa posed a threat to democracy.
He called on the United Nations, international media freedom organisations and regional bodies to monitor developments in Kenya and Uganda and support journalists facing intimidation.
Gachagua maintained that freedom of expression and media freedom are protected under Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution and urged Kenyans not to remain silent in the face of what he termed an assault on the media.
