Nairobi, Kenya, Feb 24 – The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has expressed concern over the recent utterances from government officials directed at journalists operating in the country.
The MCK said that such statements put journalists at risk of being attacked by members of the public and poses a threat media freedom.
“These attacks undermine the freedom of the press and are attempts to undermine the role of the press in holding the government accountable, which is a foundation of democratic societies,” MCK’s Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo said Friday in reference to recent statement from some leaders including Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
He went on to say that when leaders attack journalists, it can erode public trust in the media by creating an atmosphere of distrust and suspicion towards the press.
Omwoyo stated that it can in turn lead to questions on the accuracy and objectivity of news reporting, which he says is essential for maintaining an informed society.
According to him, by attacking journalists, the officials are distracting Kenyans from paying attention to important issues concerning them.
“The Council takes such acts as attempts to silence or intimidate the media from undertaking its rightful duty. This, on the flipside, can damage the legitimacy of the government and erode public trust in its ability to govern fairly and effectively,’ he said.
Omwoyo advised leaders to refrain from making statements attacking the media in public but instead work to foster a climate of mutual respect and collaboration with the press.
The move he says will help strengthen democracy and promote the public good.
“ We ask any leader or member of the public aggrieved by the media to report any complaints to the Media Complaints Commissions which is legally mandated to mediate on the same,” he said
