On Sunday, July 24, 2024, while addressing a congregation at a church in Chebango, Bomet County, President Ruto criticized the media for what he described as ‘irresponsible reporting’ against his administration during the anti-government demonstrations. “I urge the media to report responsibly. Reporting, celebrating, and encouraging violence, destruction of property, anarchy, and mayhem is irresponsible,” stated the President.
The previous week, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) had warned media houses against covering the anti-government protests in a manner that contravenes the Constitution. CA Director General David Mugonyi emphasized the media’s critical role in maintaining public order and sensitivity. He noted that while Articles 33(1) and 34(1) of the Constitution of Kenya guarantee freedom of expression and media independence, these rights do not extend to “propaganda for war, incitement to violence, hate speech, or advocacy of hatred.”
This statement came days after the shooting of K24 journalist Catherine Wanjeri while she was covering the protests, and the subsequent arrest and release of veteran journalist Macharia Gaitho, which police later termed a case of mistaken identity.
The President’s remarks are perceived as a threat to media freedom and an attempt to restrict media coverage of the anti-government protests. According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), over 50 people have been killed in the protests due to violence attributed to the Kenyan police.