Citizen TV’s Stephen Letoo Calls Out Wetangula Over Blackout Threats

Citizen TV journalist Stephen Letoo has called out National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula for gagging journalists.

In a statement Letoo alleged that Wetangula plans to barre him and Citizen TV reporter Seth Olale from covering parliamentary events after sharing footage from Occupy Parliament invasion.

Further, the political affairs reporter said that Wetangula will move other parliamentary journalists out of parliament premises during sitings. 

The move, noted Letoo, was meant to protect members of Parliament (MPs) from any future attacks by members of the public. 

“So now Wetangula, National Assembly Speaker and PSC Chair wants to kick out journalists covering Parliament from the precincts (Media Centre) on grounds we are a source of ‘insecurity to MPs’ following #OccupyParliament coverage!” stated Letoo.

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Citizen TV Reporter Olale Speaks on Being Banned

The Kenya Times reached out to Citizen TV reporter Seth Olale to seek clarity over the matter. Olale said that he had not received any direct communication from parliament concerning the issue. 

However, he said that reliable sources were privy to the information that journalists were being moved out of parliament. 

“Reliable sources within the parliament of Kenya confirms that indeed I have been banned from Parliament alongside my colleague Steven Letoo because of our role in highlighting #OccupyParliament.

“This reported move by PSC is ill advised and against Media Freedom,” stated Olale. 

Letoo had earlier said that Olale was in trouble with Wetangula for sharing video footage of MPs escaping parliament through a private tunnel.

Olale was part of a team of journalists who were inside parliament with the MPs during the invasion that took place on June 25. 

“Other than relocation of Parliamentary Journalists to Outside Parliament, there is a resolution to BAN some journalists myself included who Covered #OccupyParliament from stepping in the new area.

“Seth Olale who exposed the MPs escape tunnel also banned,” added Letoo.

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Response From Parliament Over Stephen Letoo’s Allegations

At the same time, the Chairman of the Kenya Parliamentary Journalists Duncan Khaemba, who works at NTV responded to the allegation, saying that he was yet to receive official communication on the matter. 

According to Khaemba, the reports were being circulated among different journalists. However, Wetangula or any other parliament officials were yet to issue an official statement. 

“I have seen Letoo speak about it, but I have not yet received any notice from parliament, ” he said. 

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