Standard Group defends editorial independence after President Ruto’s criticism
A collage of what transpired yesterday between President Ruto and the Standard group.
By DMS
A public dispute has erupted between President William Ruto and The Standard Group after the President accused the media house of using its coverage to advance what he termed as “extortionist propaganda,” prompting a strong response from one of Kenya’s oldest media organizations.
In a statement issued yesterday, Standard Group Chief Executive Officer Chaacha Mwita rejected the President’s characterization of the company’s journalism, describing the remarks as an attack on the foundations of independent journalism and media freedom.
The exchange followed a post by President Ruto on X in which he directly referenced Standard Group and its shareholder Gideon Moi, accusing the media house of persistently publishing negative headlines about his administration in an attempt to exert pressure on the government.
The President maintained that such criticism would not influence his administration’s agenda.
Responding to the remarks, Standard Group said it was compelled to address the issue because the President had singled out the organization by name. The company argued that criticism of media coverage should be handled through established channels rather than public disparagement.
“We take great exception to the President’s characterisation of our journalism,” the statement said, adding that the media house remains committed to factual, responsible and accountable reporting.
The company emphasized that its editorial decisions are guided by public interest, professional ethics and constitutional principles. It said it would continue to scrutinize those in power and report on matters affecting the public, regardless of whether such reporting is welcomed by political leaders.
“The Standard is not a propaganda outlet. Our journalism is guided by facts, public interest and professional ethics,” the statement read.
The media house also invoked previous remarks by President Ruto in support of press freedom.
During a public event in Naivasha earlier this year, the President reiterated the importance of media freedom and the right of journalists to criticize government actions, a position that Standard Group said should continue to guide relations between the State and the media.
The latest confrontation comes against a backdrop of growing tensions between the government and sections of the media.
Last month, the Kenya Editors Guild condemned the exclusion of journalists from Standard Group and Mediamax from covering a presidential event in Naivasha, describing the move as a threat to media freedom and independent journalism.
In its statement, Standard Group reiterated that it does not take instructions from any individual or office and that its independence remains central to its credibility. The company further warned that it would hold the government responsible should any harm befall its journalists, management, directors or shareholders as a result of the President’s remarks.
The media house also raised concerns over what it described as outstanding government debts amounting to KSh1.2 billion, arguing that delayed payments have adversely affected its operations.
It questioned the President’s reference to blackmail, saying the company itself had been subjected to financial pressure.
Media freedom advocates have increasingly expressed concern about what they view as growing hostility toward critical journalism, warning that public attacks on media organizations could create a chilling effect on independent reporting.
Despite the dispute, Standard Group said it remains committed to its constitutional role of informing the public, scrutinizing those in power and upholding the public’s right to know.
“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 concluded.
Similar Posts by The Mt Kenya Times:
- Mt Kenya Times ePAPER August 15-16, 2026
- Kenya’s dairy sector at a turning point as quality, growth and farmer welfare take centre stage
- From salary to student loans: New bill targets faster repayment of graduate debts
- The ballot must be mightier than the stone
- Engineer James Kemoni eyes Nyamira Governor’s seat on Jubilee ticket
About the Author
