#media

Standard Group has responded to President William Ruto's public criticism by asserting its commitment to editorial independence. The media house emphasized that its reporting is based on facts, public interest, and professional ethics, as stated in a post on X.

The Kenya Times reports that tensions have arisen between President William Ruto and Gideon Moi over a Ksh1.2 billion issue. In a statement dated June 24, 2026, The Standard Group PLC responded to Ruto's remarks on X, rejecting his criticism of the media and denying any intentions of blackmail. The media company accused the President of publicly attacking them.

President William Ruto has publicly accused former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi of leading a campaign of 'extortionist propaganda' through The Standard Media Group and KTN. Ruto expressed his frustrations in a social media post, highlighting what he described as repeated negative headlines targeting him. This accusation marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the two political figures.

A report from The South African Biz highlights a growing trend of news avoidance among the public, attributed to a lack of trust in media sources. Online publications maintained a significant share of 89% in 2026, slightly down from 90% in 2019, indicating a shift in how audiences engage with news content.

According to The Elephant, Forbidden Stories collaborated with 10 media outlets and over 30 journalists to expose the mechanisms used by the Mozambican regime to suppress dissent and silence journalists. This investigation highlights the challenges faced by the press in the country.