The Standard Group, a Kenyan media house, has heightened security measures after receiving threats from a youth group called Bunge la Mwananchi. The group plans to mobilize over 5,000 people to protest at the media house's offices on Friday, October 2. The Standard Group has accused the group of being influenced by former Baringo senator Gideon Moi and alleges that they are targeting the media house for its critical coverage of President William Ruto's administration.
The threats come amid a tense relationship between Ruto and The Standard Group. On June 24, Ruto accused the media house of publishing "extortionist propaganda" against his administration. The Standard Group rejected the accusation, stating that its role is to scrutinize those in power. The media house has also faced criticism from lawmakers, including Suna East MP Junet Mohamed and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, who have called for action against the media house.
The Standard Group has reported the matter to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the South B Police Station. The media house has taken immediate security measures to protect its journalists and property. Despite the threats, The Standard Group has maintained that it will continue to carry out its constitutional role of informing the public and scrutinizing those in power.
The threats also come weeks after Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich was abducted by armed men along the Gilgil-Nakuru Road on September 1. He was found safe about nine hours later near Masinga Dam. The Standard Group said his captors questioned him about the media house's sources and editorial operations.
The Kenya Editors Guild and other media organizations have called for investigations into the incident. The Standard Group has received support from Kenyans who have questioned whether the planned protest was being driven by political interests. The media house has maintained that it will not be intimidated into abandoning its journalistic responsibilities.
In a video circulating online, a member of the Bunge la Mwananchi group warned The Standard newspaper, KTN News, journalists, and the media house's leadership over what they described as personal attacks against Ruto. The group accused The Standard and KTN News of persistently publishing content critical of Ruto's administration.
The Standard Group has continued to face criticism and threats from various quarters. Key points include:
Key points
- The Standard Group seeks police protection after threats from 5,000 pro-Ruto protesters.
- The threats come amid a tense relationship between Ruto and The Standard Group.
- The media house has maintained that it will continue to carry out its constitutional role despite the threats.
