NAIROBI— Northern Kenya media practitioners have collectively withdrawn from a planned roundtable interview with Rigathi Gachagua, citing his recent statements as divisive and inconsistent with national unity.
In a statement released on January 22, 2026, the practitioners expressed “deep regret” at terminating the scheduled discussion, explaining that proceeding would violate their commitment to responsible journalism, constructive discourse, and social cohesion.
PRESS STATEMENT BY NOTHERN KENYA MEDIA PRACTITIONERS ON WITHDRAWAL FROM THE PLANNED ROUNDTABLE INTERVIEW WITH HON. RIGATHI GACHAGUA pic.twitter.com/Mr89JMRglG
— Northern Kenya Media Practitioners (NKMP) (@nkmpkenya) January 22, 2026
No known digital media outlet, local radio station, or journalist from the Northeastern region has granted airtime or space to what they described as “Rigathi Gachagua’s theatrics.”
The group pointed to specific contradictions in the former Deputy President’s public remarks, stating: “You can’t call the people from Northern Kenya Al-Shabaab and come back again to praise them with the same mouth.”
They further expressed concern that the interview risked becoming a platform for unsubstantiated allegations, character assassination, or rhetoric that deepens ethnic and regional divisions at a time when Kenya requires unifying voices.
Despite recognising the value of giving public figures direct access to audiences, the practitioners noted that requested assurances—for a respectful, evidence-based, and issue-focused exchange—were not provided.
The interview had been arranged to include a conversation between Gachagua and a staff member from the Democracy Citizen Party.(DCP).
While acknowledging the inconvenience caused, the media practitioners reiterated their openness to future engagements should there be a clear commitment to constructive and unifying dialogue.
The decision emphasizes growing unease among Northern Kenya journalists over political rhetoric perceived as polarising and reinforces their determination to uphold ethical standards in public discourse.
