Linus Kaikai Rejects Trevor Ombija’s Claim That Gachagua Sought His Removal From Citizen TV

Royal Media Services (RMS) Editorial Director Linus Kaikai has dismissed claims by journalist Trevor Ombija that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua intervened to have him removed from Citizen TV.

Ombija, who has worked as a senior news anchor at the RMS-owned station for more than eight years, has been off air for some time as he increasingly engages in political activities ahead of the 2027 General Election.

What Ombija claimed

Speaking to residents in Nyakach on Friday, September 18, Ombija reportedly claimed that Gachagua was behind difficulties he experienced at RMS.

Speaking in Luo, the journalist alleged that Gachagua had pressured the media company to remove him from his position, suggesting that the alleged intervention was motivated by both ethnic and professional considerations.

Ombija further claimed that President William Ruto had protected him and other journalists from the alleged pressure.

He presented his continued support for Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid as an expression of gratitude for what he said was the President’s intervention, rather than an attempt to advance his own political interests.

Kaikai denies Gachagua made such a call

Kaikai subsequently rejected Ombija’s account, saying Gachagua never made such a call to RMS.

In a post on X, the RMS editorial director said that even if such a call had been made, it would not have influenced decisions at the media organisation.

“Trevor’s statement is not true. There was no such call from former DP Gachagua. Such a call would in any case not be worthwhile at RMS,” Kaikai said.

Kaikai also said he confronted Ombija about the remarks and that the journalist acknowledged that he had made an error.

“I have asked Trevor about the remarks and he says it is ‘a mistake and I regret it’. Trevor has also told me he ‘didn’t think the remarks would be picked up,’” Kaikai revealed.

The exchange effectively places Ombija’s allegation and Kaikai’s denial in direct contrast, with Kaikai saying there was no intervention by Gachagua in the journalist’s position at RMS.

Ombija turns to politics

Ombija is reported to be considering a bid for the Nyakach parliamentary seat on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket in the 2027 General Election.

His increasingly public political activity comes amid a wider pattern of journalists leaving or stepping away from newsroom roles to pursue elective politics.

Citizen TV journalist Stephen Letoo has also announced his intention to contest the Kilgoris parliamentary seat, while journalist John Wanyama has already left the station to pursue the Malava parliamentary seat.

The developments have renewed discussion about the point at which journalists who intend to enter politics should leave active newsroom duties.

Media Council reviews rules for journalists entering politics

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has also taken note of the trend.

Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo said the council was finalising guidelines that would require journalists who declare political ambitions to resign within prescribed timelines and immediately cease appearing on air.

The proposed rules would also require newsrooms to maintain balanced coverage of all candidates, including former journalists and colleagues who enter politics.

According to Omwoyo, the council planned to convene a validation workshop with editorial leaders before refining and gazetting the guidelines within 30 days of the announcement.