Standard Group accuses Ruto of intimidation as row escalates

Standard Group has mounted a strong defence of its journalism and editorial independence following President William Ruto’s public attack on the media house, escalating a growing standoff between the media company and the State.

In a statement on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, the media house rejected accusations made by the president on X, where he accused Standard Group of running “extortionist propaganda” and attempting to blackmail his administration through persistent critical coverage.

The president’s remarks came after a series of hard-hitting headlines and investigations by the media house scrutinising his administration’s performance, governance record and unfulfilled promises. In his post, Ruto challenged Standard Group and its perceived owner, former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi, to continue publishing critical stories, declaring that such efforts would yield “nothing and nowhere.”

Responding through a detailed press statement signed by Group Chief Executive Officer Chaacha Mwita, Standard Group said it could not ignore the president’s comments, arguing that they amounted to an attack on the foundations of independent journalism.

“The Standard is not a propaganda outlet. Our journalism is guided by facts, public interest and professional ethics,” the company stated.

The media house took issue with what it described as the president’s characterisation of its journalism, saying the language used in the social media post fell below the standards expected from the country’s highest office.

According to Standard Group, criticism of media work should be addressed through established channels rather than public disparagement, warning that such attacks raise concerns about the environment in which journalists are expected to operate.

Watchdog, not a cheerleader

In the strongly worded statement, the media company reaffirmed its role as an independent watchdog, insisting that its duty is to hold those in power accountable regardless of political affiliation.

“The media’s role in a democracy is to act as a watchdog. We take this responsibility seriously. We cannot celebrate the failures of leadership, because when government fails, the country pays the price,” the statement said.

Standard Group also maintained that it does not take instructions from any individual or public office, describing editorial independence as the cornerstone of its credibility.

“The Standard Group PLC does not take instructions from any individual or office. Our independence is the foundation of our credibility and our service to the public,” the media house stated.

The company further warned that it would hold the government accountable should any harm befall its journalists, management, directors, shareholders or operations following the President’s remarks.

Media freedom

The latest confrontation comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions between sections of the media and the government over press freedom and critical coverage.

Standard Group reminded the president that he had previously publicly affirmed the importance of media freedom and the democratic role of journalists, particularly during the Safari Rally events in Naivasha.

The company said it expected the government to uphold that commitment and protect the constitutional rights of media organisations.

Standard also accused the government of withholding Ksh1.2 billion in advertising debt owed to the media house, dismissing the president’s claim that the company was engaging in blackmail.

“What greater form of blackmail is there than a government withholding Ksh1.2 billion that it owes us, with the apparent desire of frustrating our operations? Blackmail? We are victims of blackmail; not perpetrators,” the statement said.

The company argued that the dispute goes beyond corporate interests and affects employees whose livelihoods depend on the media house’s continued operation.

Constitutional mandate

As the public spat intensified, Standard Group vowed to continue carrying out its constitutional duty of informing the public and scrutinising those in power.

“The Standard Group PLC remains committed to its constitutional duty: To inform, to scrutinise and to uphold the public’s right to know,” the statement said.

The company added that it would continue to execute its mandate with “professional zeal, independence and respect for institutions that safeguard democracy.”

The exchange marks one of the most direct confrontations between the president and a major media house since Ruto assumed office and is likely to reignite debate about media freedom, government criticism and the role of independent journalism in Kenya’s democracy.

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