The Standard Group PLC has issued a statement in response to President William Ruto’s remarks on X.
In a statement dated June 34 2026, the media house rejected his criticism of the media and stated that it does not intend to engage in any form of blackmail.
The media company accused the President of publicly disparaging its journalism and questioned the environment in which the media is expected to operate.
“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.” the statement read.
The statement follows the president’s post accusing the media house of blackmailing him, and President Ruto dared the media house to continue with the alleged blackmail for 8 days.
Standard Raises KSh1.2 Billion Debt Dispute
In its statement, the media house raised the issue of unpaid government obligations, claiming that the State owes it KSh1.2 billion.
Also Read: President Ruto Says He Is Being Blackmailed By Gideon Moi
According to the company, withholding the funds has affected its operations and constitutes economic pressure on the organization.
“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 read.
Standard has warned that it would hold the government accountable should any harm come to the media house, its journalists, management, directors, or shareholders as a result of the President’s remarks.
The Standard defended its journalism as guided by facts, the public interest, and professional ethics, insisting that it is not a propaganda outlet and does not take instructions from any individual or office.
According to the company, the media’s role in a democracy is to act as a watchdog and hold leaders accountable, adding that criticism of government should not be mistaken for hostility.
It also defended its operations under the Constitution, the law, the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism, and recognized regulatory bodies. It also said the company corrects errors when they occur and upholds the right of reply.
Also Read: Billy Arocho: Uhuru’s Trusted Bodyguard Who Joined Ruto’s Camp
Media House Recalls Ruto’s Previous Defence of Press Freedom
The company also referenced remarks made by President Ruto during one of the Safari Rally events in Naivasha, where he publicly defended media freedom and acknowledged the importance of criticism in a democratic society.
According to the media house, the comments aligned with the constitutional obligation of the State to protect press freedom, and it now expects the President to uphold that commitment.
The Standard Group reiterated that it remains committed to informing the public, scrutinizing those in positions of authority, and protecting citizens’ right to know, saying it will continue to carry out its constitutional mandate with professionalism, independence, and respect for democratic institutions.
While acknowledging President Ruto’s assertion that Kenya belongs to all Kenyans, the media house said it would continue pointing out shortcomings in leadership because failures in government ultimately affect the country.
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