MCK goes after Rigathi Gachagua over Stephen Letoo outburst
Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has condemned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over remarks he made against Citizen TV journalist Stephen Letoo.
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has condemned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over remarks he made against Citizen TV journalist Stephen Letoo.
The comments were made on Wednesday, December 3, where Gachagua openly criticised the journalist and called for his dismissal.
In a statement on Thursday, December 4, the council has warned that such comments by a senior political figure put the journalist’s life at risk.
“The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) strongly condemns the reckless and dangerous remarks made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on 3 December 2025, in which he publicly named Citizen IV journalist Stephen Letoo, labelling him “the worst journalist”, accusing him of bias, and demanding his dismissal by Royal Media Services.
“Such targeted attacks on individual journalists by senior political figures are utterly unacceptable and pose a direct threat to their safety and lives. In a climate already fraught with insecurity at political rallies, church gatherings, and public events-where disputes over mobilisation often escalate into violence singling out a journalist by name constitutes incitement and places him in grave personal danger,” the statement read.
Google releases list of the most searched Kenyan personalities in 2025
Government to sell 15 % stake in Safaricom for Ksh204 billion
DCI arrested government official behind police recruitment forgery plot
CCTV footage reveals final moments of man who fell from 14th floor in Kilimani
MCK stated that the country is entering a sensitive political period and the media must be allowed to operate freely.
“As Kenya edges towards electioneering ahead of the 2027 General Election, this is precisely the time when citizens and the media must be free to scrutinise aspiring leaders, examine their records, and report facts without fear or favour,” the statement added.
MCK further criticised leaders who use intimidation while claiming to support democracy and reminded political leaders that media freedom is protected by the Constitution.
MCK called on security agencies to ensure journalists are protected, adding that the media will continue doing its work despite intimidation.
Speaking during the celebration and unveiling of newly elected MCAs on Wednesday, Gachagua criticized sections of the media, accusing several outlets of intentionally misrepresenting facts and circulating false reports.
He singled out Letoo, alleging that he had published misleading and biased information about his speech at a Thanksgiving ceremony for the newly elected Kariobangi North MCA held on Sunday, November 30.
Popular Tahidi High actor is dead
Missing Kenyan politician found in Uganda
MPs question Ksh1 billion in unresolved debts across universities, colleges
Elders confront Governor Wanga over escalating feud with DG Magwanga
Follow us
