Peter Mbae accuses Ruto of direct role in media attacks at opposition rallies

Democracy for Citizens Party official Peter Mbae has accused President William Ruto's administration of being directly involved in attacks against the media during political rallies. Speaking on Monday, August 17, 2026, Mbae insisted that the violence at these events was not accidental, but rather a deliberate act intended to prevent the public from seeing or recording the proceedings.

He argued that the president must take responsibility for security matters, stating that nothing involving national security happens without the knowledge of the Head of State. Mbae specifically pointed to an attack on journalists, rejecting the notion that they were caught in crossfire between rival groups. He maintained that journalists were targeted deliberately because of their role in documenting events.

Mbae further alleged the existence of a parallel security structure operating outside the conventional chain of command, which he claimed was responsible for these attacks. He warned that the government's reliance on young people paid to participate in political disruptions could create a security problem for the same leaders who benefit from it.

Mbae cautioned that such young people could eventually turn against their sponsors when the money runs out, posing a threat to their own livelihoods and, by extension, the political leaders who financed them. He concluded by urging political leaders to reject violence ahead of the 2027 general election, urging citizens to use their collective power to prevent escalation.

His remarks followed a Mediamax Network Limited vehicle being set ablaze and journalists being attacked while covering a rally in Homa Bay on Sunday, August 16, 2026.