The Standard Group, a Kenyan media company, has strongly condemned a protest that took place outside its Nairobi premises along Mombasa Road on Friday, October 2, 2026. The company accused a group of youths of harassing its staff and threatening media freedom. According to the Standard Group, the group claimed to be representing President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The protest, which involved a group of youths picketing outside the offices and hurling profanities at the company, was described by the Standard Group as an affront to media freedom, democracy, and legitimate business. The company cited Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution, which guarantee freedom of expression and the media. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of journalists and the media in Kenya.
The Standard Group alleged that the harassment was not an isolated incident, claiming that the same group had previously attacked The Standard, KTN, and other broadcast outlets, including their digital platforms, over their coverage of President Ruto and his administration. The company also claimed that the group had directed insults at KANU Party Chairman Gideon Moi and former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The Standard Group rejected the allegations made by the group, saying its journalism is guided by professionalism, the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism, and the public interest. The company commended police officers for preventing the group from entering its premises, saying the response was consistent with the role of an independent National Police Service.
The media organisation stated that while Kenyans have a constitutional right to present grievances, protest against injustice, and demonstrate publicly, threats against journalists and intimidation of media houses cannot be considered legitimate protest. The Standard Group said it would continue with its journalistic work despite the incident.
The company reassured its readers, viewers, listeners, and all Kenyans that it would not relent in its duty to inform them. The Standard Group added that it would continue exposing issues it believes the powerful would prefer to remain hidden, saying no threat would stop it from reporting on injustice and defending democracy.
The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of journalists and the media in Kenya, with the Standard Group vowing to continue its work despite the threats. The company's statement has been seen as a strong defense of media freedom and democracy in the country.
Key points
- The Standard Group has condemned a protest at its Mombasa Road offices in Nairobi, citing threats to media freedom and democracy.
- The protest was allegedly carried out by a group of youths claiming to represent President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration.
- The Standard Group has vowed to continue its journalistic work despite the incident, citing its commitment to professionalism and the public interest.
