Rigathi Gachagua Advocates for Press Freedom in Kenya, Urges Protection for Journalists
Eugine Wabwile Juma
2 min read
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has defended press freedom in Kenya, stating that attempts to silence media houses or journalists will not address the country's underlying issues.
BY ALLAN BRADLEY
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has defended press freedom in Kenya, stating that attempts to silence media houses or journalists will not address the country’s underlying issues. In a national address today, Gachagua argued that the pressing concerns facing the nation include the high cost of living, unfulfilled government promises, and corruption, rather than criticism from the media. “The real issues are unfulfilled promises, economic hardships, and corruption. Shutting down the channels that expose these failures doesn’t make them disappear; it only leaves citizens unprotected,” Gachagua said.
While Addressing the nation today, Gachagua argued that the country’s pressing concerns remain the high cost of living, unfulfilled government promises, and corruption, rather than criticism from the media.”The real issues are unfulfilled promises, economic hardships and corruption. Shutting down the channels that expose these failures doesn’t make them disappear; it only leaves citizens unprotected,” Gachagua said.The former deputy president also emphasized that freedom of the press is guaranteed under the Constitution and should be respected by all state institutions.
“In our country Kenya, press freedom is not a privilege granted by the state but a right recognized under our Constitution. Article 33 and 34 of our Constitution give the right to freedom of expression and freedom of the media respectively,” he stated.Gachagua further warned against any form of intimidation or harm targeting journalists, saying the government should be held accountable if members of the press are threatened while carrying out their duties.
“If anything happens to any journalist in Kenya, whether a foreigner or a resident, this government must be held to account. I will remain very vigilant and will be available to call out on any threat to any journalist in Kenya,” he said.His remarks come amid heightened debate over media freedom following recent exchanges between the Kenya Kwanza administration and sections of the press over coverage of government affairs.
The Constitution of Kenya guarantees freedom of expression and media freedom, while also recognizing the role of journalists in informing the public and promoting accountability.
