A protest outside the Standard Group headquarters on Mombasa Road in Nairobi, which was intended to demonstrate against the media house's coverage of President William Ruto's administration, ended in disarray. The confrontation, which was the culmination of weeks of escalating tension, turned into a shouting match among the protesters over payment for their services. Some protesters left the scene, walking kilometres back home after failing to receive payment, while others sought safety with the police who had been providing security.
The protest was organized by a group identifying itself as Bunge la Mwananchi, which had announced plans to mobilize thousands of people to demonstrate at Standard Group over what it called "negative and critical headlines targeting the government". The group accused The Standard and KTN News of persistently publishing content critical of President Ruto, with some members alleging that former Baringo senator Gideon Moi had influenced the media house's editorial coverage.
In the days leading up to the protest, a video circulating online showed a group member issuing a direct warning to the Standard Group, stating that they would "surprise" them for publishing "inflammatory statements and useless things". The Standard Group had reported the matter to the police and heightened security at its premises, stating that it would not be intimidated into abandoning its journalistic responsibilities.
A key figure in the attack was identified as Sally Raghet, a member of YURO — Youth for Ruto 2027, a youth movement formed in June 2025 to support President William Ruto's re-election bid. The movement declared "unwavering support" for Ruto while denouncing "rising acts of violence and anarchy". Raghet's role within this movement placed her at the centre of the pro-government mobilisation that converged on Standard Group's gates.
Bunge la Mwananchi is led by Francis Awino, who was declared president of the group on December 8, 2023, taking over from Calvince Okoth, popularly known as Gaucho. Awino's leadership has been marked by aggressive confrontations with institutions and figures he perceives as hostile to the government. In April 2026, he was brutally attacked while holding a press conference at Nation Centre in Milimani, Nairobi.
Awino was also arrested without a warrant in April 2026 and charged with attempted extortion. The prosecution alleged that he had threatened KWS Director General Erastus Kanga with the filing of a petition for his removal from office over alleged violations of Chapter Six of the Constitution on leadership and integrity, in a bid to obtain Sh1.7 million. Awino denied the charge.
The Standard Group is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The company is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest. The protest and subsequent infighting among demonstrators have raised concerns about the increasing tensions between the government and the media.
Key points
- The protest at Standard Group headquarters ended in infighting among demonstrators over payment for their services.
- Bunge la Mwananchi had accused The Standard and KTN News of persistently publishing content critical of President Ruto.
- The Standard Group had heightened security at its premises, stating that it would not be intimidated into abandoning its journalistic responsibilities.
