Thursday, February 13, 2025
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Wetangula Breaks Silence on Kicking Out Citizen TV Journalists

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. 

Moses Wetangula
Speaker Moses Wetangula in a meeting with PSC and Journalists. PHOTO/Moses Wetangula

“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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Parliament Sitting
Parliament sitting. PHOTO/Courtesy.

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Joy Kwama

Mercy Joy Kwama is a News Reporter at The Kenya Times who is dedicated to the art of storytelling and truth-telling and changing narratives. She has covered diverse topics including politics, social justice, environmental issues, climate change, and entertainment. Mercy is particularly driven to amplify the voices of African communities and challenge the prevailing status quo. She is a graduate of Riara University with a degree in Communications and Multimedia Journalism and is well-equipped to navigate the complex landscape of news reporting. In her spare time, Mercy likes to pick up new skills including crocheting, gardening, dance, reading, and music. She can be reached at joy.kwama@thekenyatimes.com

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