A planned roundtable discussion between former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and journalists drawn from Northern Kenya was unexpectedly cancelled, setting off debate over media ethics and freedom of expression.
In a statement released on Thursday, January 22, the Northern Kenya Media Practitioners revealed that they had unanimously opted out of the interview after internal deliberations. The group said the decision was guided by the principles of responsible journalism, national unity, and the need to promote constructive dialogue.
“It is with regret that we notify the public that the scheduled roundtable interview with Hon. Rigathi Gachagua will no longer take place,” the statement said.
According to the journalists, recent public remarks attributed to the former deputy president raised concerns that the engagement could undermine cohesion by amplifying ethnic or regional tensions. They argued that proceeding with the interview would conflict with their professional values and editorial judgment.
The media practitioners further warned that the forum risked being used to advance unverified claims or to attack individuals and institutions without sufficient evidence, turning the discussion into a platform for reputational harm rather than informed debate.
They emphasized that their role as journalists obliges them to uphold ethical standards, safeguard peace, and ensure public conversations are grounded in facts. The group also claimed they had not received firm assurances from Gachagua’s team that the interview would remain respectful, evidence-driven, and focused on substantive national issues.
Mixed Reaction
The cancellation sparked sharp reactions online, with many Kenyans accusing the journalists of bias and intolerance.
Senior lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi criticised the move, arguing that it infringed on Gachagua’s right to be heard and amounted to selective journalism.
“Disagreeing with someone’s views does not justify denying them a platform. You cannot accuse others of intolerance while practicing the same,” he said.
Media personalities also weighed in, with TV47 news anchor Abubakar Abdullahi terming the decision unprofessional and harmful to journalistic credibility.
“Blocking Rigathi Gachagua from speaking to a North-Eastern audience is unprecedented. It undermines the very essence of journalism,” he remarked.