The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has expressed concern about continued attacks on the media by government officials, claiming that it is undermining the media’s role in serving the public.
David Omwoyo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Media Council of Kenya, issued a statement on Friday warning political leaders not to criticise the media in public meetings, saying it exposes its members to physical attacks and erodes trust in the organization’s role as the society’s watchdog.
“The Media Council of Kenya is concerned with public utterances by key government officials against the media at public meetings. Such statements put journalists at risk as they may be attacked by members of the public,” stated Omwoyo.
“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.”
He added: “When leaders attack journalists, it can erode public trust in the media by creating an atmosphere of distrust and suspicion towards the press. This can lead to questions on the accuracy and objectivity of news reporting, which is essential for maintaining an informed citizenry.”
He warned government officials to refrain from threats underscoring that they amount to trying to silence the media.
“The Council is urging leaders to stop intimidating journalists and discouraging them from reporting on important stories, which undermines the ability of the press to fulfil its role in society. Attacking journalists, we believe, is a distraction from important issues that require attention and action,” he wrote.
“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.”
Omwoyo asked members of the public who feel aggrieved by media reports to file complaints with the Media Council of Kenya’s Complaints Commission, instead of engaging in public lynching.
“Instead, they should work to foster a climate of mutual respect and collaboration with the press, which can help to strengthen democracy and promote the public good,” he added.
The statement by MCK came a day after Gachagua accused the media of bias, noting that he was not getting favourable coverage from the media.
He also alleged that unnamed people were compromising the media.
“Media people, please stand by your leadership style. You stated everything about me, including that I’m a villager, unkept, I don’t know how to dress and useless.
“All those things are ignored, the people of Kenya ignored you too and elected me as Deputy President,” he stated.
