Standard Journalists Barred from State House Amid Rising Tensions with Government
Sources close to the matter, who requested anonymity, indicated the order came from top-level instructions, though no formal explanation has been provided by State House.
Standard Group journalists blocked from State House during Slovenian President’s visit, raising fresh press freedom concerns. Photo/The Standard Kenya.
By Linda Muhanji
Journalists from the Standard Group were denied entry to State House Nairobi on Saturday, May 31, during the official visit of Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar, in a move that has sparked renewed concern over press freedom in Kenya.
While other media houses were granted access to cover the high-level diplomatic event, Standard Group reporters were reportedly singled out and barred from attending.
Sources close to the matter, who requested anonymity, indicated the order came from top-level instructions, though no formal explanation has been provided by State House.
The exclusion comes just days after The Standard published a critical editorial that rated Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen as a “Below Average CS,” a label that reportedly unsettled senior government officials.
In a response shortly after the publication, CS Murkomen defended state officers—particularly the police—claiming that critics often underestimate the complexities of law enforcement and public service.
The relationship between the Standard Group and the government has appeared increasingly strained in recent weeks. On May 23, the media company experienced a significant technical disruption that temporarily halted broadcasts on its key platforms including KTN, Radio Maisha, Spice FM, and Berur FM.
While the company cited a technical hitch, the incident has fueled speculation about potential external interference, especially given the broader context of rising tensions.
Meanwhile, President Musar’s visit continues as scheduled, with her serving as the Chief Guest at Kenya’s Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay County on June 1.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, her trip focuses on strengthening economic ties, regional peace efforts, and multilateral cooperation.
Earlier in the week, President William Ruto hosted President Musar at State House, where the two leaders discussed collaboration on trade, digital transformation, and peacebuilding between East Africa and Europe.
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