The Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula has responded to allegations that Parliament was planning to kick out journalists covering parliament proceedings.
In a statement, Wetangula acknowledged the importance of media practitioners in facilitating effective delivery of parliamentary work by keeping the public informed.
However, he has said that Parliament is going to make changes that will guide how journalists will be covering parliamentary sessions.
This, he noted, includes the establishment of an Ultra-Modern Media Center within the Parliament square.
“The Media is an integral stakeholder in facilitating effective delivery of Parliamentary work and in informing the public while ensuring National values on transparency and accountability are achieved.
“The PSC through my stewardship has committed to establish an Ultra-Modern Media Center within the Parliament square to help facilitate Parliamentary Reporters to effectively deliver their mandate,” stated Wetangula.
Also Read: Citizen TV’s Stephen Letoo Calls Out Wetangula Over Blackout Threats
Wetangula Issues Way Forward for Journalists
Further, the speaker has assured the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) and the Kenya Parliamentary Journalists Association (KPJA) of a continued partnership to ensure factual and timely information is relayed to the public.
Wetangula made the remarks following a meeting with the media practitioners and the Parliamentary Service Commission.
“During the meeting, I have assured the Media industry that the two Houses of Parliament will re-look into the existing media legislations to realign them with the current trends coupled with the advent of technology,” he added.
Letoo Accuses Speaker of Gagging Journalists
On Tuesday, July 16, Citizen TV journalist Stephen Letoo called out Wetangula for what he called plans to kick out journalists covering the Parliament invasion during anti finance bill protests on June 25.
In a statement Letoo, alleged that Wetangula plans to bar him and Citizen TV reporter Seth Olale because they shared footage of the invasion.
Further, the political affairs reporter said that Wetangula will move other parliamentary journalists out of parliament premises during sittings 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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