Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has reiterated recent statements made by Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria and other top politicians about holding the media accountable.
Speaking on Friday at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology’s (JKUAT) 40th graduation ceremony, DP Gachagua said the Kenya Kwanza government had ushered in a new age in which journalists would not be spared from trial.
“For a long time, our friends in the media were used to criticizing us and nobody used to question them. They have criticized the political class for so many years since, but things have changed also,” said Gachagua.
While praising Kuria for standing up against the Nation Media Group (NMG) over accusations alleging that his government was involved in an oil scam, DP Gachagua advised other politicians to follow the example of the Cabinet Secretary.
This followed the High Court barring CS Kuria from using insulting words on any media practitioner on Wednesday.
“We want the same courts to restrain the media from criticizing leaders,” Gachagua continued. “The same way the courts have been persuaded to gag Moses Kuria from holding the press to account.”
Equity and justice are essential. Moses Kuria must benefit from whatever the Nation Media Group benefits from. Because of the newness of the world, media is now widely used in Kenya. “Mnatugonga hapa kidogo, tunawagonga baadaye na tutazoena polepole”, Gachagua said.