Standard Group condemns protest at Mombasa Road offices, cites threats to media freedom

The Standard Group has condemned a protest outside its Nairobi premises along Mombasa Road on Friday, accusing a group of youths of harassing its staff and threatening media freedom.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 2, 2026, the media company said the group, which it claimed purported to speak on behalf of President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration, picketed outside its offices and hurled profanities at the company.

The Standard Group described the incident as an affront to media freedom, democracy and legitimate business, citing Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution, which guarantee freedom of expression and the media.

“The Standard Group PLC condemns, in the strongest terms, the unwarranted protest and name-calling outside our premises along Mombasa Road today,” the company said.

The media house further claimed that the harassment was not an isolated incident, alleging that the same group had previously attacked The Standard, KTN and other broadcast outlets, including their digital platforms, over their coverage of President Ruto and his administration.

According to the statement, the group had also directed insults at KANU Party Chairman Gideon Moi and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, alleging that the two were behind headlines critical of the government.

The Standard Group rejected the allegations, saying its journalism is guided by professionalism, the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism and the public interest.

“We condemn this intrusion by paid goons ready to harm our journalists and staff. It has no place in a country that claims to uphold the rule of law and a free society,” the company said.

The media organisation said that while Kenyans have a constitutional right to present grievances, protest against injustice and demonstrate publicly, threats against journalists and intimidation of media houses cannot be considered legitimate protest.

It also commended police officers for preventing the group from entering its premises, saying the response was consistent with the role of an independent National Police Service.

The Standard Group said it would continue with its journalistic work despite the incident.

“To our 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,” the company said.

The media house added that it would continue exposing issues it believes the powerful would prefer to remain hidden, saying no threat would stop it from reporting on injustice and defending democracy.