On Thursday, February, 23rd 2023, while attending the burial of his sister in law, Deputy president Rigathi Gachagua attacked the media over claims that they are against him and has continously misreported and misquoted him.
The second in command claimed that the media had been paid to tarnish his name and to demoralise him. He alleged that cartels have ganged up and are now using the media to fight him.
Media council of kenya Chief executive officer David Omwoyo. Photo/Courtesy
However, this had not gone well with the Media Council of Kenya. I a statement issued by the council and signed by the chief executive officer and the secretary of the council David Omwoyo, the council protested against attacks om the media especially by Influential leaders.
The council expressed fear that such attacks could expose the media to more attacks by the public as they are made to lose trust on them.
"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 risks as they may be attacked by members of the public." Reads part of the statement.
"Further, when leaders attack journalists, it can erode public trust in the media by creating atmosphere of distrust and suspicion towards the press. This can lead to the questions on the accuracy and objectivity of news reporting which is essential for maintaining and informed citizenry" the statement added.
The council urged leaders to stop intimidating the journalists and discouraging from doing their works of reporting claiming that such moves are indication of efforts to silence the media which will in turn expose the government and will damage its legitimacy and public trust.
Further, they urged leaders or members of the public offended by any news to report to the relevant authorities.
Content created and supplied by: NewInKenya (via Opera News )
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