Deputy President Gachagua’s Attacks on Media not Good for Democracy -By Ohaga Ohaga

Over the last eight months since President Ruto’s Government came to power, many things have happened but one that has remained constant is the continual attacks on the media. A month hardly passes by without an attack on the media particularly from Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. His latest attack on the media was on Thursday, May 20, 2023, in Nyandarua County where he and President William Ruto had attended the thanksgiving service of Roads PS Joseph Mbugua.

During the event, the DP criticized the media for not highlighting the achievements of the Kenya Kwanza government, arguing that the media is attempting to highlight the opposition led by Azimio la Umoja One Kenya leader Raila Odinga. “I want to reassure the media that the Azimio project will not be successful,” he stated.

This, however, is not the first time Gachagua is publicly disparaging the media. The DP has in the past accused the press of manipulating his remarks and publishing what fits their agenda.

On May 18, 2023, soon after the media interview with President Ruto, the Deputy President chastised journalists for incorrectly referring to the “government shares” question to the president. Gachagua argued that he is the best person to explain it because he is the creator, not President William Ruto. “Nyinyi next time you call the president for an interview to talk about the plan sio kumuuliza mambo ya shares, mnauliza nini shares? si mniulize mimi?” he posed amidst laughter. “Mimi ni mwenye hiyo maneno, mimi ni mwenye shares, so just call me for an interview and ask me what this thing is all about…na mimi siogopi,” he added.

In February 2023, Gachagua accused a section of the press of being sponsored by those he described as ‘milk cartels. “If we do not fear (former president) Uhuru and the deep state, you believe we fear the media?

In a separate interview with the media, the DP attempted to defend a physical assault on, a Nation journalist by his wife’s security detail claiming that the said journalist ‘attended the meeting while drunk and caused a disturbance’.

The DP Gachagua it appears has made it a habit of attacking the media whenever he feels it’s convenient for him. What this portends is that he is not just violating the Constitution that he swore to protect but also undermining the workings of the media whose rights are enshrined in the Constitution he swore by.

It may not be obvious to him but his constant attack on the media may have other unintended consequences such as encouraging other government officials to attack the media. A case of example is of Senate Leader of Majority, and Kericho Senator, Aaron Cheruiyot who in March 2023 criticized the media terming it a ‘’cartel’’.

Industry Gains 

There is widespread agreement among media participants that, while the media environment is vibrant, much more needs to be done, particularly to defend media independence and ensure the safety and security of journalists. During this year’s World Press Freedom Day, held on May 3, it emerged that media freedom in Kenya has shrunk significantly. According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Kenya ranked 69th in 2022 but 116 in 2023 in the global media freedom survey; a clear pointer to the shrinking media freedom in the country.

Media Council of Kenya CEO, David Omwoyo also admitted that his organization documented 104 incidences which were the highest in the last five years. Harassment, arbitrary arrests, physical assaults, and broken equipment are among the infractions committed against journalists.

Way forward

In the foregoing, Gachagua needs to note that as the second in command, his remarks whether jokingly or seriously told have a huge impact on the general well-being of not just the media but the Kenyan public. His utterances put journalists in danger of being harmed by members of the public. His comments not only weaken press freedom but also undermine the press’s role in keeping the government accountable, which is a pillar of democratic nations.

Further, his actions are not only seen as an act of intimidation and an attempt at silencing the media but also an attempt at discouraging the press from reporting on important stories, which undermines the ability of the press to fulfill its role in society.

Additionally, The DP must know that his attempt to intimidate or silence the media from carrying out its legitimate duties may be counterproductive in the long run in that it may lead to the erosion of public trust and the Government’s ability to govern fairly and efficiently.

Admittedly, Gachagua is at liberty to criticize the media. The press isn’t beyond reproach. But that criticism shouldn’t be veiled as a threat. It should be constructive. The media makes mistakes and in cases it does, Gachagua has the right to seek recourse through the available legal framework. Pointedly, there exists a legal mechanism through Media Complaints Commissions which is legally mandated to mediate on concerns such as his.

Finally, constant attacks on the media will not make stories told in his favor, on the contrary, it can only get worse.

The author is a Kenyan journalist, writer, and communication specialist with a special interest in media law and political communication.