The Kenya Editors’ Guild has criticised the National Assembly for summoning two People Daily reporters over a corruption story.
Speaking during the Annual Media Summit 2018 at Radisson Blu Hotel in Nairobi, Secretary Christine Nguku said the media have a right to criticize any institution.
“There is no exception in terms of who journalists can investigate, as long as they do their job within the confines of journalism ethics,” Ms Nguku said.
The Editors’ Guild was concerned that Parliament as a state organ failed to utilize structures put in place to address complaints against journalists.
“The Media Council of Kenya has a well constituted Complaints Commission which has the capacity to address issues raised against the media. It is open to all citizens of this country without exception and fair arbitration can be achieved,” she said.
“We hope the aggrieved parties will consider the Complaints Commission as an avenue they can explore to resolve the matter.”
Ms Nguku said MPs should borrow a leaf from former First Lady Lucy Kibaki who filed a formal complaint against two senior editors in 2005.
CENSORSHIP
On Monday, Mr Muturi summoned Mediamax Network’s journalists Dinah Ondari and Anthony Mwangi to appear before the Powers and Privileges Committee on Tuesday.
On Monday, Mr Muturi summoned Mediamax Network’s journalists Dinah Ondari and Anthony Mwangi to appear before the Powers and Privileges Committee on Tuesday.
However, the Editors’ Guild believes the move was an attempt to muzzle the media.
Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Fatuma Hirsi urged the media to continue playing their watchdog role, but responsibly.
“I’m fortunate to have worked in the media. I was a complaints commissioner and I understand the role media plays. This role cannot be overemphasized,” she said.
BIG FOUR AGENDA
Mrs Hirsi asked the Media Council of Kenya to arbitrate on the matter.
She was optimistic that the Media Council’s Strategic Plan would help aid the media in addressing the government’s ‘Big Four Agenda’ of providing affordable housing, promoting food security, bolstering the manufacturing sector and achieving universal healthcare.
The three-day summit is focusing on issues such as the media’s role in promoting gender representation, food security and safeguarding the environment.