Nyali Member of Parliament and former investigative journalist Mohammed Ali popularly known as Moha Jicho Pevu has challenged Royal Media Services (RMS) which owns Citizen TV and the Nation Media Group (NMG) to promote balanced coverage of the protests.
In a statement, the MP asked Citizen TV and NTV to note the role the media has in promoting chaos in countries that have violence and instability.
Ali cautioned the TV stations against twisting and exaggerating the truth for their own benefit, at the cost of peace in Kenya.
“Dear Citizen TV and NTV as you scramble for viewership at this critical turning point in our Country’s history, I urge you to remember the role Media plays in perpetuating violence in conflict torn countries due to absence of constructive news reporting,” Ali said.
“As you tirelessly fuel a narrative of ‘youth’ led political unrest across the Country, I remind you of the danger of distorting reality and magnifying situations to serve self- interest at the expense of unity and peace in the country.”
MP Plea to MCK & CAK
He urged the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) and Communication Authority of Kenya to hold media houses responsible and accountable in the role they play in influencing violence in the country.
Ali argued that if the media plays a role in destroying the country, Kenya could become a failed state due to violence, and even the media outlets would lose their audience.
“If we tarnish Kenya’s image and contribute to burning this country, there will be no viewers to tune in and we will serve as an example of a failed country to the very Western Players that are pushing and financing this, Chaos,” he said.
The MP stated that there are foreign players including NGO’s who are currently funding some youth to cause chaos and violence in Kenya.
“We Must Remember that when the wave of instability and violence rocks a country, it wipes out every standing institution and affects all livelihoods,” he said.
Learn from KTN, MP Tells Citizen TV
However, he praised Kenya Television Network (KTN) in their constructive news reporting and urged all media houses to take lessons from them.
“All community stakeholders must strive to unify and give dialogue a chance in forging a new chapter for our country,” Ali added.
The anti-government protests continued in different parts of the country including Nairobi CBD on Tuesday, July 16.
Also Read: LIVE UPDATES: Two Killed, Several Injured in Anti-Govt Protests
Journalist Shot During Protests
One person shot dead at Moi Avenue in Nairobi CBD while another protester was killed in Kitengela, Kajiado County.
Two people have also been reported dead after being shot by police officers during protests in Kibwezi, Makueni County.
Mediamax journalist Catherine Kariuki was shot by the police while covering the protests in Nakuru.
MCK condemned the National Police Service for attacking journalists while going about their work, despite being well-identified and visibly branded.
The Council commended Catherine’s fellow Nakuru-based journalists for taking swift action to save her life and wished her a quick recovery.
“The shooting of Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki, a journalist attached to Kameme TV, while in the company of other journalists and the police, is shameful and terrifying,” MCK said.
Additionally, MCK called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conclude investigations and bring the police terrorizing journalists to justice.
“We urge law enforcement agencies to respect the media and to ensure the safety of journalists at all times,” said the Council.
MCK urged journalists and media workers to prioritize their safety, uphold professionalism, and take all necessary precautions while working in hostile environments.
Also Read: Raila Junior Responds to Claims that His Father is Sponsoring Protests
Kenya Union of Journalists Demand to IPOA
The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) also condemned the incident and demanded action against the police officer who targeted journalists.
“Such barbaric acts have no place in a democratic society like Kenya, where journalists are required to play the role of watchdog and source of credible information to citizens,” KUJ said. KUJ directed IPOA to investigate the officer involved and the source of orders to shoot journalists within seven days and prosecute the suspect.
The Union threatened to institute a private prosecution of the officer involved and the commander of the Nakuru operation if IPOA failed to meet their demands.
According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), 50 people have been killed and 413 others injured since the anti-government protests begun
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