Protest against Standard Group ends in dispute over payments

The Standard Group issued a statement on Friday condemning a protest staged outside its Nairobi headquarters along Mombasa Road. The protest was allegedly organized by a group claiming to represent President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration. The media company stated that the group harassed its staff and threatened media freedom by pickingeting outside its offices and hurling profanities.

The Standard Group described the incident as a violation of media freedom, democracy, and legitimate business practices. They cited Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution, which protect freedom of expression and the media. The company emphasized that the protest was not an isolated event, as the same group had previously attacked The Standard, KTN, and other media outlets for their coverage of President Ruto and his administration, including digital platforms.

The media organization rejected the allegations that the headlines critical of the government were authored by President Ruto's political allies, Gideon Moi and former President Uhuru Kenyatta. They maintained that their journalism adheres to professionalism, the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism, and the public interest.

While acknowledging the Kenyan people's constitutional right to voice grievances and protest injustice, the Standard Group denounced threats against journalists and intimidation of media houses, stating these actions are not legitimate forms of protest. They commended the police for preventing the group from entering the premises, stating their response was in line with the role of an independent National Police Service.

The Standard Group reaffirmed its commitment to reporting despite the incident, urging their readers, viewers, listeners, and all Kenyans, "We will not relent in our duty to inform you. We will not be cowed by a few individuals hell-bent on instilling fear and nurturing editorial tendencies." They added that they would continue exposing issues the powerful prefer to keep hidden, defending democracy and resisting intimidation.