Linus Kaikai clarifies claims about Gachagua trying to get Trevor Ombija fired
By Paulette Mboga, September 19, 2026Editorial Director, Royal Media Services Linus Kaikai has denied claims that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua tried to have Citizen TV journalist Trevor Ombija fired after their on-air confrontation.
Kaikai said there was no call from Gachagua seeking Ombija’s dismissal. He also revealed that he spoke to Ombija about the remarks after they were made public.
“This is not true. There was no such call from former DP Gachagua. Such a call would in any case not be worthwhile at RMS,” Kaikai said on Sunday, September 19, 2026.
Ombija had claimed that Gachagua attempted to have him fired following a heated television interview between the two earlier this year. He made the remarks on Friday, September 18, 2026, while addressing residents during a political rally in Nyakach.
The journalist, who is also a Nyakach parliamentary aspirant, said the fallout followed an interview with Gachagua in March 2026. Ombija claimed that Gachagua contacted RMS management seeking his dismissal after the two confronted each other during the interview.
“As you see me standing here, Gachagua had made calls to try and get me fired from my job because we confronted each other,” Ombija told the crowd.
Ombija admits remarks were a mistake
Kaikai said he contacted Ombija to establish what he meant by the remarks. According to Kaikai, Ombija acknowledged that what he had said was a mistake and expressed regret over making the claim.
“I have asked Trevor about the remarks, and he says it is ‘a mistake and I regret it’,” Kaikai said.
Kaikai further said Ombija explained that he did not expect his remarks at the political rally to attract attention. He said the journalist had not anticipated that the statement would be picked up.
“Trevor has also told me he ‘didn’t think the remarks would be picked up,’” Kaikai said.
Ombija’s remarks came as he addressed his political alignment while speaking at the Nyakach rally. He said he had chosen to support President William Ruto, citing what he described as Ruto’s support and his agenda.
“But only Ruto has stood with us. Is it two terms or not? That is why I am standing with him because I know his agenda,” Ombija said.
The report reflects what was said publicly by the individuals involved. Ombija’s initial claim about Gachagua seeking his dismissal is disputed by Kaikai, while Kaikai says Ombija has since described the remarks as a mistake and expressed regret.