‘Are You Mad?’ Kenyans Roast Gachagua After He Links Ruto to NTV Uganda Shutdown

Kenyans on social media have questioned the mental state of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after he linked President William Ruto to the closure of NTV Uganda.

Gachagua made the claims during a press briefing on June 30, 2026, where he alleged that Ruto played a role in the shutdown due to his close ties with Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

“I condemn the closure of NTV Uganda, Spark TV, and Daily Monitor by Uganda’s CDF, Muhoozi, who is the son of Yoweri Museveni. He is a close confidant of William Ruto, and by association, Ruto is part and parcel of this shutdown,” Gachagua stated.

Following his remarks, online debate quickly intensified, with many users dismissing the claims as far-fetched. Critics argued that Uganda’s media operations fall under its own jurisdiction, making it unlikely for Kenya’s president to influence such a decision.

At the same time, the comments came just months after Gachagua made unverified claims alleging that Ruto had secretly acquired Nation Media Group through a Tanzanian proxy.

Also Read: Uganda Media Body Breaks Silence on NTV, Daily Monitor Shutdown

Gachagua Faces Social Media Backlash

As the debate intensified, netizens flooded social media platforms with criticism, questioning Gachagua’s judgment and credibility.

“Mad man! Every village has one. Wamunyoro definitely has Gachagua,” Kigen said.

Meanwhile, others expressed confusion over the alleged link between Ruto and the Ugandan media shutdown and his political standing.

“How William Ruto has been connected to closure of NTV Uganda still baffles me,” Mozella 24 said.

“Huyu ndio team lead ya opposition?” Wambani added

Others then linked his remarks to the aftermath of his impeachment.

“Hii maneno ya impeachment ni kama ilimuaffect… jamaa anaona Ruto hadi kule Uganda,” Mayne said.

Another user, Kapchalan, criticized Gachagua’s public statements.

“@rigathi you’ve refused to be a little bit intelligent. I thought the 45 days was supposed to be a period of self reflection but alas you’re back with your endless pressers that come to show how uncouth you are. You’ll NEVER be an option to Kenyans… good riddance!,” he stated.

Some users also pointed to what they described as a pattern of blaming the president for various issues.

“It is both sad and funny how President WSR gets the blame for everything. The other day it was alleged that he had acquired NMG Kenya,” Kenya 01 said.

Also Read: Gachagua Questions Government’s Handling of Intelligence Before Protests

Background on NTV Uganda Shutdown

The reactions followed the shutdown of Nation Media Group operations in Uganda after Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba ordered the closure of NTV Uganda, Spark TV and the Daily Monitor on June 28, 2026.

Soon after, security personnel moved to the Nation Media Group premises in Kampala, forced the television stations off air and disrupted newsroom operations.

Nation Media Group has since confirmed that it is engaging Ugandan authorities in talks aimed at reopening the affected outlets.

As discussions continue, media freedom groups have raised concerns over the shutdown, with critics describing it as part of a broader crackdown on independent media in Uganda.

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Reactions from X after Gachagua linked President Ruto to the closure of NTV Uganda on June 30, 2026, sparking heated debate and criticism. PHOTO/ Screengrab X