The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has sharply criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for launching a public attack on Citizen TV journalist Stephen Letoo, describing his remarks as “reckless and dangerous.”

In a statement released on Thursday, December 4, the council warned that a senior political leader singling out a reporter by name risks inciting hostility and exposing the journalist to serious personal harm.

“Singling out a journalist by name constitutes incitement and places him in grave personal danger,” the statement said, stressing that targeted verbal attacks on media professionals are “utterly unacceptable and pose a direct threat to their safety and lives.”

The MCK expressed heightened concern given the country’s proximity to the 2027 General Elections — a period, it said, when media independence and journalist safety must be protected more than ever.

Context Behind the Warning

The council’s condemnation follows Gachagua’s remarks on December 3, in which he labelled Stephen Letoo the “worst journalist,” accused him of biased reporting, and urged Royal Media Services (RMS) to dismiss him.

Gachagua was reacting to Letoo’s coverage of a church incident where police allegedly used teargas to disperse rival political supporters during an event the former Deputy President attended. He accused Letoo and other media outlets of broadcasting “outright lies and falsehoods.”

“I want to talk to Citizen TV. Stephen Letoo filed a very biased report on Sunday. And you were personally there,” Gachagua said, later adding: “I am a fan of Citizen TV and RMS, but I want to report my disappointment with Letoo for that fake news filed on Sunday.”

Media Freedom is Constitutional

In its response, the MCK reminded political leaders that media freedom and journalist protection are guaranteed under Article 34 of the Kenyan Constitution. The council also called on law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of journalists who may face threats as a result of political intimidation.

The statement ended firmly: “The media will not be silenced by intimidation. Those seeking public office must accept scrutiny rather than attempting to suppress it.”