Rigathi Gachagua warns Ruto's administration against alleged media suppression
via Tuko4 min read
Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto's administration of increasing pressure on journalists and media houses, claiming press freedom is under threat ahead of the 2027 General Election. Speaking at his Wamunyoro home, Gachagua alleged that the current administration is targeting journalists reporting on corruption and abuse of power, and that independent media houses are facing growing pressure. He cited incidents such as anti-riot police allegedly assaulting a journalist during June 25 Gen Z protests and an alleged attempted abduction of a senior editor from Standard Group in Nakuru. Gachagua also criticized President Ruto's public criticism of Standard Group following a KTN News investigative feature, and claimed a KTN journalist involved in the report is under surveillance. He further alleged that the government plans to weaken media houses by denying them state advertising revenue and accused it of targeting MediaMax journalists through online harassment. Gachagua warned against importing authoritarian tactics from neighboring countries and condemned Uganda's recent shutdown of several media outlets. He urged local and international organizations to defend media freedom, stating that democracy relies on an independent press, and called on President Ruto to focus on other national issues.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
Must ReadThe family of activist Davis Lichuma has shared details surrounding his release after an alleged abduction. Lichuma, known for his presence in Gen Z demonstrations, was reportedly kidnapped by police officers on June 25, 2026, during the second anniversary of the slain Gen Z individuals. After a four-day disappearance, he was found in critical condition at Kenyatta National Hospital on Sunday, June 28. His brother, Benson Shikala, stated that Lichuma was found without clothes and unable to speak, leading to his transfer to Nairobi Women's Hospital for specialized care. Doctors have not yet diagnosed the cause of his loss of speech. The family also revealed that Lichuma's disappearance occurred shortly after the death of their sister, for whom he was organizing burial arrangements. Siaya governor James Orengo has pledged support to cover Lichuma's hospital bills and his sister's funeral expenses. Activists, including presidential aspirant Boniface Mwangi, are demanding the resignation of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja if they fail to investigate the circumstances of Lichuma's condition.
Must ReadFormer deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has criticized the military-led closure of several Ugandan media outlets, including NTV Uganda, Spark TV, Daily Monitor, KFM, and Dembe FM. These outlets, many belonging to Kenya-based Nation Media Group, were forced off air after security personnel surrounded their premises in Kampala. Gachagua condemned General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces and President Museveni's son, for ordering the shutdown, calling it an assault on press freedom. Gachagua further alleged that Kenya's President William Ruto is responsible due to his close relationship with the Ugandan military chief, stating, "He Museveni is a close confidant of William Ruto, and by association, Ruto is part and parcel of this shutdown." He did not provide evidence for this claim. Gachagua also warned of a growing threat to press freedom across East Africa, urging journalists and media organizations to remain steadfast. The shutdown has drawn widespread condemnation from international press freedom organizations.
Godfrey Otieno Ochola's struggle with alcoholism spanned 23 years, originating from his teenage curiosity with altar wine at his father's vicarage. While in high school, he would secretly consume the wine, which he noted increased his confidence. After high school, his first earnings from a job at the National Council of Churches of Kenya in 1997 led him to commercial beer, escalating his addiction. Alcoholism cost him a scholarship to study law in India and resulted in his expulsion from Kisumu Polytechnic. He later lost a job at Southern Credit Bank Corporation due to his addiction. Ochola eventually sought help from the National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and was admitted to a rehabilitation center. After recovery, he now works as a recovery coach in Nakuru, assisting others in overcoming addiction. Data from NACADA indicates that 4.7 million Kenyans use at least one drug, with alcohol being prominent. Robert Olweny, the Nakuru NACADA boss, highlighted that a 2022 study showed the initiation age for drug and alcohol use among young people is between 6 and 9 years, a concerning trend.