Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that journalists from North Eastern Kenya withdrew from an interview after receiving threats.
Speaking on January 22, Gachagua disclosed that several radio stations from the North Eastern region had approached him for an interview following public pressure from residents in counties including Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, Marsabit, and Isiolo.
He explained that although he was on holiday in Mombasa County at the time, he agreed to the request and cut short his break, flying back to Nairobi to honour the interview after learning of the strong demand from the region’s listeners.
Gachagua Alleges Threats Forced North Eastern Journalists to Boycott His Interview. Photo: Courtesy.
According to Gachagua the North Eastern radio stations were threatened and intimidated, forcing them to withdraw from the planned interview.
Gachagua claimed that political leaders from five counties in the region were keen to suppress what he described as the truth, arguing that they did not want residents to hear alternative explanations for the persistent poverty in North Eastern Kenya beyond claims of marginalisation.
He alleged that the intimidation created fear among the journalists, leading to a boycott of the interview, which he said was intended to challenge what he termed misleading narratives being promoted by regional leaders.
However, the North Kenya Media Practitioners later confirmed that they had cancelled the interview following internal consultations, saying the decision was guided by professional ethics, responsible journalism, and the need to promote national unity, citing concerns that Gachagua’s recent remarks could undermine social cohesion.
