The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has cautioned politicians against using media houses as places of refuge to evade law enforcement, following the recent incident involving Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia.
In a statement on Thursday, August 6, MCK CEO David Omwoyo said media institutions must remain independent spaces dedicated to journalism and public discourse.
"Following recent events where a politician sought refuge inside a media establishment to avoid legal processes, The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) reemphasises that media houses are independent platforms for public discourse, not sanctuaries from the rule of law," the statement read.
MCK noted that with the country heading toward the 2027 General Election, it was important to reaffirm principles that protect both democracy and the independence of the media.
"As we gear up towards the 2027 General Election, the Council underscores the following critical positions to help promote and protect democracy while shielding media houses from becoming the playground of external disputes," the statement added.
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MCK said media institutions must remain safe and neutral spaces devoted exclusively to journalism, adding that newsrooms should never be treated as asylum centres where public figures can seek protection from legal processes.
It stressed that politicians and other public figures should leave media premises immediately after completing their engagements.
The council further warned that using media houses as tactical hideouts places unnecessary operational pressure on journalists and media organisations while creating the false impression that the press is complicit in external disputes.
It maintained that although it strongly defends freedom of expression, politicians are still required to submit to lawful processes outside media premises.
"The Media Council of Kenya urges all political actors to respect the physical and professional boundaries of media institutions to safeguard press freedom and editorial independence," the statement further read.
Kaguchia spent the night inside Royal Media Services offices on Sunday, August 2, claiming police officers had surrounded the premises and set up roadblocks following remarks he allegedly made during a political rally.
The legislator declined to leave the station, saying he feared arrest if he stepped outside.
Kaguchia was eventually arrested by detectives on Monday morning, August 3, after leaving the building.
In a statement earlier Monday, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said the arrest was a misuse of the criminal justice system to persecute political rivals.
He condemned what he termed the selective application of the law to manage politics by outgoing regimes, deeming the move as not only cowardly, but also counterproductive.
"The overnight harassment and early morning arrest of Hon John Kaguchia today only strengthened the resolve of our supporters, but also elevated his standing within our leadership hierarchy. Our lawyers are doing everything possible to secure his release on bond pending his arraignment tomorrow," he stated.
Gachagua took a swipe at Ruto and reminded him of how he himself criticised former President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration for the arbitrary arrest of politicians allied to him ahead of the 2022 General Election.
He recounted how Uhuru's regime was notorious for using the criminal justice system to suppress dissent and force people to support an unpopular candidate, but failed.
Gachagua claimed that Ruto himself enjoyed the popularity he gained following the alleged persecution of his foot soldiers when he was DP, but questioned why he had not learned from his predecessor.
"William Ruto, then the Deputy President, wondered aloud how foolish the system was, and he seemed to enjoy every arrest; his harassed foot soldiers became overnight celebrities and darlings of the people. This greatly strengthened his presidential bid the most.
"As President, he is doing exactly what he said at the time was foolish. Has it become wiser?" he posed.
