The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has condemned Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati for allegedly threatening Royal media Services (RMS) reporter Jimmy Simiyu over a story he’s been pursuing.
In a statement released on Monday, Media Council noted that the governor reached out to the journalist and threatened him after he was reportedly tipped off by an editor that Simiyu had filed the story in question.
“The Media Council condemns threats by Bungoma Governor Hon Wycliffe Wangamati directed at Royal Media Services reporter Jimmy Simiyu over a story he has been pursuing.
“The Council is also aware of allegations that the Governor called the reporter to threaten him after an editor from the media house tipped him off about the story that the reporter had filed over an event held in Bungoma County on Saturday 12th June 2021,” MCK’s statement read in part.
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Following the alleged threat, Simiyu reached out to Media council and was advised to file a complaint with the police. He reported the matter at the Bungoma police station.
Media council has demanded the governor desists from threatening journalists and that the Inspector General of Police ensure expeditious investigations so that the culprits are brought to book.
Additionally, Media Council also wants Royal Media Services management to investigate allegations that one of its editors was involved in transgression, and take necessary action if the allegations are confirmed as the same amounts to violation of media freedom and independence.
