According to sources familiar with the matter, members of the President’s communications team informed the journalists that they would not be allowed into the event because of what was described as persistent “biased reporting” against the government and the Head of State.
The reporters had arrived at the venue alongside journalists from other media houses to cover the presidential engagement, which attracted senior government officials, local leaders and invited guests.
Witnesses said the Standard Group journalists were stopped at the entrance and prevented from proceeding to the main event area, even after presenting their press credentials.
The move immediately drew criticism from sections of the media fraternity, with concerns raised over attempts to restrict access to public events based on editorial positions or perceived criticism of the government.
Media stakeholders warned that denying journalists access to state functions could set a dangerous precedent and undermine constitutional protections guaranteeing freedom of the press and access to information.
Article 34 of the Constitution guarantees the independence of the media and protects journalists from interference by the State, political interests or commercial influence in the course of their work.
The Standard Group has in recent months published a series of hard-hitting stories and commentaries critical of the Kenya Kwanza administration, particularly on governance, economic policies and political developments.
However, neither State House nor the President’s communications team had issued an official public statement on the incident by Thursday evening.
Efforts to obtain a comment from officials at the venue were unsuccessful.
The latest incident comes amid growing debate over the relationship between the government and the media, especially following repeated complaints by journalists over intimidation, restricted access and hostility while covering political events.