President William Ruto has today evening distanced himself from his lieutenants calling for media censorship and instead affirmed press freedom as an inalienable right.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Senate Majority Leader Aron Cheruiyot have been critical of the media citing alleged open biasness.
Speaking at State House Nairobi today, the president also clarified that his administration does not harbour plans to switch off broadcast amid earlier fears of alleged plans to shut down some sections of the media outlets offering live coverage to anti-government protests by the opposition, Azimio One Kenya Coalition.
However, in his reassurance, the president has distanced his administration from allegations of planning to shut down the media and internet during the protests being led by the opposition.
He said the government has no interest in attacking the media adding that journalists may have been caught up in the violence witnessed during the protests alongside other Kenyans.
“We are great believers in free media and any engagement that puts the media in danger is not acceptable. I do not think there is any deliberate attack on the media and if there was such, I can tell you we would be opposed to it.” Ruto said.
“Kenya has come a long way. The era of switching off is way behind us. We will support the right of the media to carry out its function. You have our support irrespective of how biased you are against us,” he added
The Head of State blamed the violence on persons taking advantage of the demonstrations to loot and invade private property.
Ruto assured that the government will continue to protect the lives and property of Kenyans.
He said he was committed to upholding the freedom of the media “even with its biases against the government”.
