The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) on Thursday, May 19 warned politicians against what they termed as profiling and harrasment of journalists and media outlets ahead of the forthcoming August general elections.
The Council CEO David Omwoyo in a statement expressed concerns over the rise in cases of harrasment agaisnt journalists, noting that there has been 45 cases of press freedom violations this year alone, most of which were politically related.
“The Council is disturbed that such threats are likely to incite the public and political supporters against the media and may thus expose journalists and media practitioners to violations of their rights as they go about their rightful duties,” said Omwoyo.
“Attacks against and intimidation of the media contravenes Articles 34 and 35 of the Constitution on the Freedom of Media and Access to Information.” He added
The latest attack on media was by Kapseret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi who took to social media accusing Citizen TV of being biased in covering the rival Azimio La Umoja and Kenya Kwanza political coalitions.
The council mentioned Mugirango South Member of Parliament Silvanus Osoro’s recent remarks where he castigated the broadcaster for alleged biased reporting.
“We advise politicians and the public that Kenya’s media and journalists are guided by a professional code of conduct, with sufficient mechanisms for self-regulation, both as an industry or at personal level,” the statement reads.
Furthermore, Omwoyo directed anyone who takes issue with media conduct to seek redress through the Media Complaints Commission instead of attacking them.
