For decades, The Standard Group PLC (SG) has upheld its steadfast commitment to informing the Kenyan public, holding powerful entities accountable, and safeguarding the nation's democracy through its print, broadcast, and online platforms. The organization asserts its relentless reporting on matters of national importance, always prioritizing factual accuracy, as exemplified by its professional and truth-driven live coverage of the June 25, 2025 protests.

It is in moments of national crisis that the role of a vigilant media becomes paramount, and silencing the press only serves to fuel fear and speculation. In this context, The Standard Group has expressed deep distress over the recent disgraceful and irresponsible tirade in Parliament by Suna East MP Junet Mohammed. Mohammed accused The Standard Group and some of its shareholders of inciting genocide, a claim the media house vehemently refutes.

The comparison of any media house to the propagandist machinery that fueled Rwanda's dark 1994 genocide is not only misleading but profoundly insulting to the memory of the over 800,000 lives lost in that tragic chapter of history. The Standard Group views such a comparison as tantamount to exploiting a profound tragedy for political gain, stating it is defamatory, trivializes genocide, and betrays lawmakers' solemn responsibility to promote national unity and safeguard civil liberties. Furthermore, SG warns that such inciteful remarks could serve as a pre-emptive cover for politically-instigated violence, with the media potentially being scapegoated.

The accusation, particularly that KTN and The Standard newspaper are "hellbent to create genocide" without evidence, is condemned as wildly irresponsible, inflammatory, defamatory, and dangerous. Delivered within the privileged chambers of Parliament, these remarks carry the chilling weight of state-sanctioned intimidation, sending a clear message to journalists nationwide that exposing the truth could lead to character assassination, threats, or worse. The Standard Group highlights previous experiences, including illegal raids by state-sanctioned mercenaries, as evidence of such pressures. This also sets a dangerous precedent where politicians can abuse parliamentary privilege to silence the press when uncomfortable with factual reporting.

The Standard Group unequivocally states that its mission is not to please the political class but to serve the public, ensuring Kenyans are informed about events in their streets, counties, and government. Attempts to intimidate or discredit the press are seen as indicative of a deep-seated fear of transparency and accountability. The organization notes a clear pattern of such efforts, citing Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen's concurrent threats against the media as part of a renewed and coordinated campaign by the current administration to suppress independent journalism.

Addressing the specific attack on Hon Gideon Moi, the Standard Group stresses that dragging his name into the tirade and suggesting links to Felicien Kabuga, an architect of the Rwandan genocide, without any evidence, is not legitimate parliamentary oversight. Instead, it is a malicious personal attack disguised as political concern, representing intimidation rather than leadership. The Group clarifies that Hon Moi, like any Kenyan, is entitled to own a business, including a media house, provided it operates within the law and adheres to journalistic ethics. They point out that no Kenyan law bars politicians from media ownership, a right enjoyed by other politicians as well. Using the parliamentary floor for unsubstantiated allegations and character assassination without proper motion is deemed an abuse of privilege.

The Standard Group challenges Junet Mohammed and others with similar views to utilize proper channels if they believe the organization has erred, suggesting they file complaints with the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) or pursue legal action in court, allowing facts to prevail over fury. The organization reaffirms its commitment to its audience, promising to continue reporting fearlessly and fairly, shining a light on truth and reflecting the nation's realities. It also reminds Parliament of its constitutional duty to protect, not destroy, the Fourth Estate, emphasizing that a free press is the people's strongest shield, not their enemy. The Standard Group concludes by declaring its unwavering resolve: "We will not be cowed. We will not be silenced. We will not be manipulated by political expediency, blackmail, or threats no matter how loudly they are shouted."