During a political gathering in Nyakach, Ombija, who is campaigning for the Nyakach parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election, told supporters that Gachagua had called RMS management to seek his termination following a heated live interview earlier in the year.
The interview, broadcast in March 2026, saw Gachagua accuse Ombija of bias and unprofessional conduct, labeling the programme a “tribal show” and questioning why the journalist had accepted the invitation.
Ombija, a prominent face on Citizen TV since joining Royal Media Services in 2019, said the former deputy president’s alleged interference was retaliation for the on‑air clash, adding that the leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) personally contacted the media house to request his dismissal.
The claim comes as Ombija intensifies his campaign, publicly aligning himself with President William Ruto and criticizing Gachagua’s political stance. He argued that only Ruto’s development agenda merits support, positioning himself as a loyalist in the upcoming election.
Ombija’s transition from journalism to politics mirrors a broader trend of media personalities seeking elected office in Kenya, raising questions about the interplay between press freedom and political ambition.
No RMS representative or Gachagua spokesperson has responded to the allegations, and no formal disciplinary action has been reported. The episode adds another layer of tension to an already polarized political environment ahead of the 2027 polls.