Northern Kenya media withdraw from planned roundtable interview with Gachagua

Northern Kenya media practitioners have collectively withdrawn from a planned roundtable interview with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, originally scheduled for Thursday, January 22, from 7pm to 9pm.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the umbrella body representing local radio stations and digital media outlets cited concerns over responsible journalism, national unity, and constructive public discourse as reasons for the decision.

“It is with deep regret that we inform our esteemed audience of our decision to terminate the planned roundtable interview,” the statement read.

“After careful consideration, we have concluded that proceeding with the interview would not align with our core principles. Recent public statements and rhetoric by Hon. Gachagua have increasingly been characterised as divisive, emphasising ethnic and regional divisions at a time when Kenya needs voices that unite rather than polarise.”

The media practitioners also expressed apprehension that the interview could devolve into character attacks or the dissemination of unsubstantiated allegations without adequate evidence or balanced discussion.

“As a media outlet committed to ethical standards, fostering informed debate, and promoting peace and cohesion, we cannot in good conscience provide a platform that risks amplifying harmful narratives,” the statement added.

Gachagua had announced the interview on his social media platforms on Wednesday, January 21, inviting residents of Northern Kenya to a “candid discussion through their local radio stations and online media” under the theme: “Every Kenyan deserves to live a dignified life in the spirit of Leaving No One Behind.”

The planned roundtable was to involve multiple local radio stations and digital media outlets from the region.

However, the withdrawal comes amid widespread criticism over remarks previously made by Gachagua, perceived to be linking members of the Somali community to controversial business operations.

In early January 2026, Gachagua made remarks linking businesses in Nairobi’s Eastleigh area, which is predominantly inhabited by the Somali community, to alleged economic crimes, including claims that some funds were connected to fraud abroad.

The former deputy president later clarified that his criticism was not targeted at the Somali community as a whole. He said he was concerned about specific business practices he perceived as harming Kenyan farmers.

The Northern Kenya media practitioners emphasised that while the decision to withdraw was difficult, they remain open to future engagements should there be a clear commitment to constructive, unifying dialogue.