Cape Media’s TV 47 came under sharp criticism on Friday, February 16 after calling out Kenyans who have heckled speakers during President William Ruto‘s rallies in various parts of the country.
The TV station, through its daily editorial comment delivered by Fred Indimuli on February 16, 2024, argued that the growing behavior where politicians are jeered and booed in the presence of the President is a worrying trend.
“This behavior calls for a serious reflection of the erosion of respect for the highest office in the land.
Recent incidents in Kiambu and Meru marred by jeering, booing and unruly behavior at the public rallies attended by the President highlight a distressing pattern of disrespect and disregard for the dignity of the Presidency,” read part of the editorial comment.
Furthermore, the editorial comment stated that it was essential for Kenyans to recognize that the president represents more than just a political figure.
According to TV47, President Ruto embodies the unity and sovereignty of the nation symbolizing the aspirations and values of the Kenyan people.
“Don’t get me wrong, we do not have to agree with or have voted for the President for us to respect him, it is demanded for us by the constitution,” added Indimuli.
Cape Media held that regardless of political affiliations or personal opinions, the office of the president demands reverence and deference from all citizens.
Politicians involved in the heckling through their supporters were also called out, Indimuli calling them out for undermining the institutions and principles upon which the nation is built.
Also Read: Angry Gachagua Lectures Kiambu Residents for Heckling in Ruto’s Meeting [VIDEO]
“Patriotism entails honoring and upholding the integrity of this institutions, foremost among them being the Presidency,” the comment added.
Kenyans bash TV 47
Following the remarks, Kenyans online reacted with a section choosing to differ with the opinion.
Renowned media personality Adelle Onyango reacted, encouraging Kenyans to endeavor and keep booing.
“Keep booing my people. Let your disdain be known loudly. Respect is earned plus never forget that the people in these offices serve us, not the other way around,” she noted.
Another user named Betty told off TV 47 noting that people have the constitutional right to express their disdain and dislike for politicians.
Maurice Otieno on the other hand noted, “The citizens have a right of expressing themselves, they have not broken any law. The questions you should try check is why the booing? Respect is also earned not demanded.”
Hostility and heckling
The editorial comment came a day after Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua lectured Kiambu residents for heckling their leaders in the presence of the president.
“These leaders brought young men to heckle in front of the President,” a visibly angry Gachagua remarked.
“If we don’t like a person, we usually keep quiet and let him speak. I don’t want to see that conduct again. It was ashaming for as a community. But heckling in Kiambu and Mount Kenya we will not accept.”
On January 24, while on his political cum developmental tour of Meru County, Ruto also came face to face with a hostile crowd. The Head of State had only one option – rant.
He read a riot act to the hecklers, vowing to stop them.
“I am here to create jobs for you, why are you heckling? I do not want this kind of politics.
Politics full of heckling is a wrong one. I do not want heckling in my rally). We are here to bring development in Meru. We do not want this kind of nonsense,” Ruto stated.
Cape Media
TV47 and Radio 47 are media stations that operate under the Cape Media Company which is owned by billionaire Simon Gicharu.
Also Read: Former TV47 Presenter Lands New Job with International Media Company
President Ruto in October 2023 appointed Gicharu who is also the Mount Kenya University (MKU) founder, as Chairperson of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD).
Gicharu’s was appointed in a gazette notice dated October 12, which took immediate effect, consequently revoking the appointment of Prof. Elishiba Njambi Kimani.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 5 (2) (a) of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development Act, as read together with section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint— SIMON GICHARU (DR.) to be Chairperson of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, for a period of three (3) years, with effect from the 13th October,” read the Gazette Notice.
