The Standard Group PLC has strongly responded to remarks made by President William Ruto, rejecting allegations that the media house is engaging in blackmail and accusing the government of exerting economic pressure through unpaid debts.
In a statement issued on June 24, 2026, the media company said it found it necessary to address comments made by the President on X, where he directly referenced The Standard and accused it of attempting to blackmail him.
“The Standard Group PLC finds it impossible to ignore the post published by President William Ruto on X, in which he directly referenced the Group. Ordinarily, we would not want to respond to statements attributed to the Presidency as we hold it in high regard. However, because the post singled out The Standard, it is important to address the issues raised,” part of the statement read.
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The response came after President Ruto alleged that the media house was blackmailing him and challenged it to continue with the alleged campaign for eight days.
Standard Raises KSh1.2 Billion Debt Dispute
In its statement, The Standard claimed that the government owes the company KSh1.2 billion in unpaid obligations, arguing that the delay in settling the debt has negatively affected its operations.
According to the media house, withholding the funds amounts to economic intimidation rather than the blackmail accusations levelled against it.
“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 company stated.
The media house further warned that it would hold the government responsible should any harm befall its journalists, management, directors, shareholders, or the organization itself as a result of the President’s remarks.
Defends Editorial Independence
The Standard maintained that its journalism is guided by facts, public interest, and professional ethics, stressing that it does not operate as a propaganda outlet and does not take instructions from any individual or office.
The company emphasized that the role of the media in a democratic society is to act as a watchdog and hold leaders accountable, noting that criticism of government actions should not be interpreted as hostility.
It also stated that its operations are governed by the Constitution, existing laws, the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism, and recognized regulatory frameworks. The media house added that it corrects errors whenever they occur and respects the right of reply.
Recalls Ruto’s Earlier Support for Press Freedom
The Standard also referenced remarks previously made by President Ruto during a Safari Rally event in Naivasha, where he publicly defended media freedom and acknowledged the importance of criticism in a democratic society.
According to the company, those comments reflected the State’s constitutional obligation to protect press freedom, and it now expects the President to uphold the same principles.
The media house reiterated its commitment to informing the public, scrutinizing those in positions of authority, and safeguarding citizens’ right to access information.
While acknowledging the President’s assertion that Kenya belongs to all its citizens, The Standard said it would continue highlighting shortcomings in leadership, arguing that failures in government ultimately impact the country and its people.
The company concluded by affirming that it will continue carrying out its constitutional mandate with professionalism, independence, and respect for democratic institutions.