The Media Council of Kenya has lashed out at political leaders for attacking and intimidating journalists.
In a statement by the CEO David Omwoyo, MCK said the attack on the journalists water down the gains made in ensuring freedom of the press is adhered to.
Omwoyo said the council is concerned with remarks made by certain political leaders and government officials against journalists who are simply doing their work.
"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," Omwoyo said.
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"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."
Omwoyo asked leaders and Kenyas at large to stop intimidating journalists and instead give them their space to report on important stories affecting the nation.
"Attacking journalists, we believe, is a distraction from important issues that require attention and action. The Council takes such acts as attempts to silence or intimidate the media from undertaking its rightful duty."
"We urge leaders to refrain from making statements attacking the media in public. Instead, they should work to foster a climate of mutual respect and collaboration with the press," Omwoyo added.
The remarks by MCK come a day after Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua censured the media and even attacked a journalist assaulted by his wife.
Gachagua blamed the media for maligning his name even as he stated that he won't be intimidated.
He accused Nation Media Group journalist Mwangi Muiruri of disrupting Kenya Kwanza Functions.
“He disrupted two of Ruto’s functions when he was a deputy president and when mama Gachagua came to donate food, he disrupted her function in Ithanga," Gachagua said.
“The young man distorts things said by leaders and incites readers…. And you people in the media, I need to tell you, please… you’ve said everything about me. You said I am a villager, unkempt, I don’t know how to dress, I am useless, all those things I ignored. The people of Kenya ignored you too and elected me as Deputy President”.
