MCK Condemns Gachagua for ‘Reckless’ Attack on Journalist Stephen Letoo
In a strongly worded statement, MCK termed the remarks “reckless and dangerous,” warning that targeting journalists by name puts their safety at risk
By : Mweru Mbugua
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has sharply criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for publicly accusing Citizen TV journalist Stephen Letoo of bias and calling for his dismissal
Gachagua made the remarks on December 3 during an event celebrating newly elected Members of County Assembly (MCAs), where he labelled Letoo as “the worst journalist.” His comments followed a chaotic Thanksgiving ceremony on November 30, where Gachagua claimed Letoo filed a “very biased report” about disruptions at the church gathering
In a strongly worded statement, MCK termed the remarks “reckless and dangerous,” warning that targeting journalists by name puts their safety 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, especially in a climate already fraught with insecurity at political rallies and public events,” the council stated
With the 2027 General Election approaching, MCK emphasized that journalists must be free to scrutinize political leaders and report facts without intimidation
“When figures who claim to champion democracy resort to threats and demands for journalists to be fired simply for performing their constitutional duty, they must be unequivocally condemned,” the statement added
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The council reminded all political leaders that media freedom and the safety of journalists are protected under Article 34 of the Constitution, noting that these principles are crucial to Kenya’s democracy
MCK further urged leaders to cease threats against journalists and called on law enforcement agencies to provide adequate protection to media professionals facing rising risks
“The media will not be silenced by intimidation. Those seeking public office must accept scrutiny rather than attempt to suppress it,” the council affirmed
