The Standard Group has defended its editorial independence and commitment to media freedom following remarks made by President William Ruto on X (formerly Twitter), in which he directly referenced the media house.
In a statement issued on June 24, the media group said it holds the Presidency in high regard. However, it noted its right to reply since the President’s post specifically singled out the media house .
“The Standard stands for bold, responsible and accountable journalism. We tell the facts as they are, even when they are uncomfortable for those in positions of authority. When we err, it is our policy to correct the record promptly,” the statement read.
This was in response to remarks made by President Ruto on X, in which he criticized The Standard’s headlines, describing them as “extortionist propaganda” and accusing the media house of attempting to blackmail his administration.
Ruto’s Previous Remarks on Press Freedom Resurface
Furthermore, the media house pointed to President Ruto’s previous public statements in support of press freedom, arguing that his latest remarks should be viewed against that backdrop.
The group recalled the president affirming the centrality of media freedom while speaking in a rally in Naivasha noting that democracy must defend the media’s right to criticize.
“It is also important to recall that in the recent past, specifically during one of the Safari Rally events in Naivasha, the President publicly affirmed the centrality of media freedom- noting that a democracy must defend the media’s right to criticize. That commitment aligned with the constitutional duty of the State to protect press freedom. And today, we hold the President to that pledge.” Standard Group recalled.
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Standard Group Reaffirms Independence
The media house further rejected claims that it operates as a propaganda outlet, maintaining that its journalism is anchored on facts, public interest and professional ethics.
At the same time, it reiterated that the media’s role in a democracy is to act as a watchdog, a responsibility they take seriously.
While acknowledging the importance of holding leaders accountable, The Standard noted that it derives no satisfaction from failures in government, arguing that poor leadership ultimately comes at the expense of citizens.
In addition, the company stressed that it does not take instructions from any individual or office, saying its editorial independence remains the cornerstone of its credibility and service to the public.
Delayed Ksh1.2 billion Payments
Meanwhile, the Standard Group accused the government of withholding KSh1.2 billion owed to the company, arguing that the delayed payments have hampered its operations and placed unnecessary pressure on the media house.
The media house added that the dispute affects hundreds of employees whose livelihoods depend on the company.
“Lastly, the President mentioned “blackmail” in his post. We pose: What greater form of blackmail is there than a government withholding Ksh1.2 billion that it owes us, with the apparent desire of frustrating our operations? Blackmail? We are victims of blackmail; not perpetrators.” The statement said.
Despite the row, The Standard Group maintained that it remains committed to its constitutional mandate of informing the public, scrutinizing those in power and upholding citizens’ right to know.
