The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has suspended the registration of three Siaya-based journalists who were recently involved in fight during a public event on January 20, 2024.
In a statement on Thursday January 25, MCK announced the decision following a meeting between the Council and the three including Josiah Odanga (Radio Africa Group- The Star), George Amolo (Royal Media Services – Ramogi) and Mary Goretty Juma (Mediamax Network-K24) at the Council’s Kisumu offices.
The Council’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) David Omwoyo who led the meeting, informed the journalists of the Council’s decision to suspend their MCK accreditation with immediate effect.
“Considering your own admission of engaging in unprofessional conduct, such as demanding and fighting for handouts, the Council hereby suspends your accreditation until further notice,” Omwoyo informed the trio.
According to the statement, MCK has also communicated the suspension of the three individuals to the managing editors of their respective media houses.
Council to Consult the 3 Media Houses
Further, the council noted that they will engage the editorial leadership of the affected media houses to discuss conditions for reinstatement of accreditation.
“We believe we have given the journalists a fair hearing and that administrative action is necessary to restore sanity and discipline in the profession,” said the CEO.
Besides, the Council views the journalists’ action as a violation of the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya, specifically Articles 4 and 5 on Integrity and Accountability respectively.
Also Read: MCK Condemns Fights and Bad Blood Among Journalists
The two Articles require journalists to “desist from soliciting or accepting gifts, favors or compensation from those who might seek to influence coverage and actively encourage adherence to these standards by all journalists and media practitioners.”
“This decision stems from MCK’s mandate, conferred by the Media Council Act, 2013, to promote and protect media independence as well as enhance ethical and professional standards among journalists and media enterprises,” reads the statement in parts.
Also Read: MCK Gives Demands After Club Bouncers Attacked Journalists
MCK Earlier Warning
Earlier in January 23, the council condemned the three journalists stating that their actions were unacceptable and undermined the public’s trust in the media.
In a statement, the Council also threatened to deregister journalists engaged in physical fights and slander.
“Accredited journalists engaged in such altercations risk losing their registration with the Council,” read the statement in part.
Furthermore, MCK criticized journalists resorting to fights explaining that they jeopardize their professional credibility and undermine the principles of responsible journalism.
