The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has told politicians to respect the media practitioners and not to attack them for doing their job, especially during this electioneering period.David Omwoyo, the MCK Chief Executive, addressed the critical issue while outraged over politicians’ utterances likely to incite the public against journalists.
“The council is disturbed because such threats are likely to incite the public and political supporters against the media and may expose journalists and media practitioners to violations of their rights as they go about their rightful duties,” the chief executive said.
While airing his views the chief also shed light on the concerning increase of verbal and physical attacks on journalists, as the country draws ever closer to the general election.
He further encouraged Kenyans aggrieved by any conduct of the media to seek redress through the Media Complaints Commission, established under the Media Council Act of 2013.
Up to 45 cases of press freedom violations have been recorded so far in this year’s election campaigns as recorded by the MCK.
Two months ago, journalists
were attacked by goons while covering the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)
event at the party’s headquarters.
A similar incident occurred involving south Mugirango MP, Silvanus Osoro, when he verbally attacked media company Citizen, during
the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) national delegates conference.
A most recent case is one that involved Kapseret MP, Oscar Sudi, castigating the same media outlet in a social media post, accusing them of bias.
What does it mean for Media Freedom?
Attack acts against media practitioners implant fear in the journalists who are deemed protected by articles 34 and 35 of the Constitution, enacted to provide media freedom to work independently.
Media practitioners who feel victim to attacks by politicians as a result of their work were encouraged to seek redress as instructed through the Media Council of Kenya or prefer another
medium other than one he or she believes to be partial.
Media freedom demonstrates the democracy of a nation as there is access to information from a variety of sources unrestricted by the government.
This enables people to make informed decisions and develop opinions to communicate their views to the government.
Importance of Media Freedom
When the press is free, it fully informs the voters which in turn empowers them and strengthens democracy.
A free press is able to fight for the truth since through this the press can uncover the truth.
Through media freedom, the government and powers can be held accountable through the people’s watchdogs.
