A political dispute over news coverage has escalated into a national debate on press freedom, after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua publicly called for the sacking of Citizen TV journalist Stephen Letoo. The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) swiftly denounced the move, labelling the personalized attack as incitement that puts the reporter's life in "grave personal danger."

The controversy ignites fresh fears over the safety of journalists in an already tense political climate. It raises a critical question for Kenyans: as political stakes rise, who will protect the media's constitutional mandate to hold power to account, a role essential for a transparent democracy and informed citizenry?

"Reckless and Dangerous"

During a public address on December 3, 2025, Mr. Gachagua singled out Letoo by name, branding him "the worst journalist" over his reporting of a chaotic church event in Kariobangi North. The former DP accused Letoo of filing a "very biased report" and demanded his dismissal by Royal Media Services.

Gachagua's criticism stemmed from coverage of a confrontation where he alleged that politically-hired "criminals" attacked congregants and were later aided by police who threw teargas into the church. He claimed Letoo’s report falsely portrayed the incident as a clash between rival gangs that police were separating.

In a forceful rebuttal, the MCK declared that such targeted verbal attacks by senior political figures are "utterly unacceptable." The council's statement on December 4 warned that "singling out a journalist by name constitutes incitement." The media regulator emphasized that political rallies and public gatherings have become high-risk environments for journalists, where disputes can quickly turn violent.

A Chilling Effect on Free Press

The incident is not happening in a vacuum. With the 2027 General Election on the horizon, the MCK noted that intimidation tactics threaten the media's ability to scrutinize leaders freely. The council issued a stark reminder to all political actors that press freedom is a non-negotiable right enshrined in Article 34 of the Constitution.

The MCK's statement underscored the gravity of the situation:

• It called on leaders to immediately cease targeting or threatening media professionals.
• It urged law-enforcement agencies to note the statements and provide adequate protection to journalists facing growing risks.
• It affirmed that the media will not be silenced by intimidation.

For the average Kenyan, the erosion of a free press has direct consequences. It threatens the flow of reliable information needed to make informed decisions about their leaders and their future, affecting everything from economic policy to community safety.

While Mr. Gachagua's office has yet to respond to the MCK's statement, Stephen Letoo has publicly stood by his reporting. The standoff leaves a chilling question hanging in the air: if a prominent journalist can be publicly targeted with impunity, what message does that send to reporters uncovering uncomfortable truths in villages and towns across the country? As the MCK statement concluded, "Those seeking public office must accept scrutiny rather than attempt to suppress it."