Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused leaders from Northern Kenya of attempting to intimidate journalists and radio stations to block an interview he is scheduled to give on issues affecting the region.
In a statement on Tuesday, Gachagua claimed there was a “very serious effort” by some leaders to scare media houses into not airing the interview, which he said was meant to allow residents of Northern Kenya to understand the causes of persistent underdevelopment and poverty.
“There is very serious effort by leaders from Northern Kenya to scare and intimidate journalists as well as radio stations not to air our interview tonight to deny the residents of Northern Kenya from knowing what ails the region,” Gachagua said. “My promise to you, you will not succeed.”
He warned that silencing journalists undermines the public’s right to information and shields leaders from accountability. “If journalists can be intimidated to deny their listeners an opportunity to face the truth about their lack of development and poverty, who will help the people of Northern Kenya?” he asked.
Gachagua said while some journalists had withdrawn due to the alleged pressure, others had stood firm. “I am afraid some few are chickening out but very courageous journalists have ignored these threats and intimidation and are ready to serve their listeners and the people of Kenya,” he said.
He accused unnamed leaders of poor governance and theft of public resources, arguing that suppressing discussion would not stop the truth from emerging. “You can suppress the truth today but not forever. In the fullness of time, the truth will come out and the journey to liberate the residents of the North from bad governance and theft of public resources begins in earnest,” Gachagua said.
He confirmed that the interview would proceed as planned between 7.00pm and 9.00pm on Thursday
