Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto over what he described as repeated attacks on the media and growing pressure on journalists.

Speaking from his Wamunyoro home on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader told President Ruto that he should not view the media as an enemy, warning that voters would ultimately render their verdict at the ballot.

“If you think the media is your enemy, you are mistaken. Wait for August next year,” Gachagua said.

During the press briefing, Gachagua accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of threatening press freedom, saying journalists should be allowed to carry out their constitutional mandate without intimidation.

Gachagua links criticism to Standard Media coverage

Gachagua referred to President Ruto’s recent criticism of Standard Media Group following a series of stories about his administration.

“It is saddening that on June 24 and 25, President William Ruto, on his X account, launched a series of scathing attacks on the Standard Media Group.

“Bro, the BILLIONAIRE you are; HIDING behind ‘debts’; forcing many months’ UNPAID labour slaving to defend your STANDARD headlines ‘BOLD’ extortion GANGSTERISM driven by GREED; is HEARTLESS to loyal workers, INSULT to journalism and BETRAYAL to free media that STANDARD once belonged,” Ruto wrote on X.

This was after serious and uncomfortable stories about this regime, and more painful was the story about William Ruto’s gallery of lies.

This attack is a total defiance of the free press under the Constitution of Kenya,” Gachagua said.

He further said that journalist Verah Moraa had come under pressure following the publication of the stories.

“I am aware that journalist Verah Moraa, who did this story, is under trial by security forces, 24 hours a day, every day, and if anything happens to her, William Ruto must be held accountable.”

Gachagua did not provide evidence to support the remarks, and by the time of publication, there had been no public statement from the government, the National Police Service or other state agencies responding to the specific concerns regarding the journalist.

The former Deputy President maintained that the media should not be subjected to political pressure.

“Mr William Ruto, the media does not live under your mercy or privilege.”

Raises concerns over journalists’ safety

Gachagua also said that journalists attached to Mediamax Network Limited had recently faced intimidation.

“It is further alarming that some few days ago, journalists attached to Mediamax were subjected to physical and online bullying by state operatives and bloggers.”

He specifically mentioned Kameme FM journalists Muthoni Wa Kiruba and Gatonye Wa Mbugua.

“Notably, Kameme Radio journalists Muthoni Wa Kiruba and Gatonye Wa Mbugua, among others, have been threatened by the political class and other undercover agencies.”

Gachagua further accused former Trade Cabinet Secretary and presidential adviser Moses Kuria of threatening Muthoni Wa Kiruba.

“Particularly, President William Ruto’s adviser, Moses Kuria, has given threats to Muthoni Wa Kiruba and if anything happens, both will be blamed.”

By the time of publication, Moses Kuria had not publicly responded to Gachagua’s remarks.

The latest comments add to the growing political debate over media freedom in Kenya, following recent exchanges between President Ruto and sections of the media over coverage of his administration.

The government has previously maintained that it respects constitutional freedoms, including freedom of the press.