MCK Comes To Standard Media's Rescue After Gachagua's Attacks
It added that the attacks undermine the freedom of the press...
Marvin Chege 
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has issued a response to attacks by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on the media on Thursday, February 23 and in particular, his singling out of Standard Media Group (SMG).
In a statement by CEO David Omwoyo dated Friday, February 24, the MCK expressed its concern with public utterances by key government officials against the media at public meetings, adding that such statements put journalists at risk as they may be attacked by members of the public.
It added that the attacks undermine the freedom of the press and are attempts to undermine the role of the press in holding the government accountable, which is a foundation of democratic societies.
"Further, when leaders attack journalists, it can erode public trust in the media by creating an atmosphere of distrust and suspicion towards the press. This can lead to questions on the accuracy and objectivity of news reporting, which is essential for maintaining an informed citizenry.
"The Council is urging leaders to stop intimidating journalists and discouraging them from reporting on important stories, which undermines the ability of the press to fulfil its role in society. Attacking journalists, we believe, is a distraction from important issues that require attention and action," stated the media regulator in part.
MCK added that it takes such acts as attempts to silence or intimidate the media from undertaking its rightful duty. This, on the flip side, can damage the legitimacy of the government and erode public trust in its ability to govern fairly and effectively.
It urged leaders to refrain from making statements attacking the media in public and instead to work to foster a climate of mutual respect and collaboration with the press, which can help to strengthen democracy and promote the public good.
"We ask any leader or member of the public aggrieved by the media to report any complaints to the Media Complaints Commissions which is legally mandated to mediate on the same," added MCK.
The regulator's statement comes after Gachagua censored the media, targeting SMG over a cover story that raised doubts over his leadership style and dress code.
He specifically referred to the article Rogue Deputy President and accused KANU chairperson, Gideon Moi, of using the media to paint a bad picture about him and his boss, President William Ruto, for his selfish political gain.
Gachagua believed that Kenyan media houses were biased and urged Kenyans to be wary when reading some news articles.
"I've seen the Standard, owned by Gideon Moi, write a whole page that Rigathi Gachagua is a rogue Deputy President. That Gideon Moi is an Azimio fellow. You don't expect him to write anything good about us.
"If William Ruto and I, if our fate was to be decided by the press, Ruto would be in Sugoi and I would be in Wamunyoro village. But your opinion does not count in this country, that is why we ignore you and give you the content to cut," he stated.
Gachagua remained firm on his quest to speak the truth in black and white, even though some of his statements have been known to ruffle feathers across various circles. According to him, some Kenyans and the media were allergic to the truth.
Turning to the media, Gachagua urged media houses to report their stories objectively while appreciating Kenyans for disregarding a section of media reports that rebuked his lifestyle prior to being elected as the second-in-command.
"Media people, please stand by your leadership style. You stated everything about me, including that I'm a villager, unkempt, I don't know how to dress and useless.
"All those things are ignored, the people of Kenya ignored you too and elected me as Deputy President," he added.
