Ruto’ dragged into Nation Media closure

CAPTION: Rigathi Gachagua, right, claimed Kenya’s President William Ruto, left, was involved in the closure of Uganda’s media houses. Photos: William Ruto, Rigathi Gachagua. Source: Facebook

• Rigathi Gachagua has weighed in on Uganda’s controversial media crackdown, making explosive claims
• The former deputy president condemned the military-led closure of leading Ugandan media houses and accused President William Ruto of being linked to the events
• Gachagua also warned that press freedom is under growing threat across East Africa, urging journalists and media organisations to remain steadfast

A crackdown on independent media in Uganda has spilled into Kenyan politics after former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua launched a blistering attack on President Yoweri Museveni’s son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

Speaking during a press briefing at his Wamunyoro home, Gachagua condemned the recent military-led shutdown of several Ugandan media outlets, describing the move as an assault on press freedom and democratic values.

Which media outlets did Muhoozi close in Uganda?

The remarks come days after General Muhoozi, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and President Museveni’s son, ordered the closure of several leading media outlets, including NTV Uganda, Spark TV, Daily Monitor, KFM and Dembe FM.

The outlets, most of which belong to Kenya-based Nation Media Group, were forced off air after security personnel surrounded their premises in Kampala.

Gachagua strongly criticised Muhoozi’s actions, saying the military should never be used to silence independent journalism.

“I strongly condemn the closure of NTV Uganda, Spark TV and Daily Monitor by Uganda’s military chief, General Muhoozi, who is the son of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni,” Gachagua said.

Was Ruto involved in the closure of Ugandan media houses?

The former deputy president went a step further, alleging that Kenya’s President William Ruto bears responsibility because of his close relationship with the Ugandan military chief.

“He (Museveni) is a close confidant of William Ruto, and by association, Ruto is part and parcel of this shutdown,” he claimed.

Gachagua did not provide evidence to support the allegation.

The former deputy president argued that the closure of the Ugandan outlets reflects a wider trend of shrinking press freedom across East Africa.

He claimed governments in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania are increasingly targeting independent media, saying the pattern is evident to anyone paying close attention.

Calling for solidarity among journalists, Gachagua urged press freedom organisations across the region to remain vigilant.

“I urge the East African press councils to stand firm and remain vigilant as the three known East African dictators flex their retrogressive uncivility on the Fourth Estate. In all this, I urge journalists to remain firm,” he said.

The shutdown has drawn widespread condemnation from international press freedom organisations and rights groups, which have described it as a serious setback for media freedom in Uganda.

Talks between Uganda’s military leadership and Nation Media Group over reopening the affected outlets are reportedly ongoing.