The Chief Executive Officer of the Media Council of Kenya David Omwoyo has called out State House Nairobi for denying access to journalists from the Standard Media Group during Slovenian President Nataša Pire Musat’s visit.
In a hard-hitting statement Mr. Omwoyo said such gatekeeping by State House was not only meant to instil fear but also amounted to economic sabotage of the media house.
“It is unacceptable that accredited journalists must beg for access to cover state events. Such gatekeeping and intimidation not only instil fear but also constitute economic sabotage in an era of competitive media content creation.
“Furthermore, these actions restrict the diversity of opinions and perspectives on critical issues,” the statement by Omwoyo read in part.
The MCK noted that the names of journalists from Standard Media Group were intentionally left out in a list of accredited journalists granted access to cover the event.
The head of the President’s Press Unit Hussein Mohammed is himself a practicing journalist and a former Citizen Television news anchor.
Lately, the media house has profiled hard-hitting headlines on corruption and State involvement in scandals that could probably have led to the sanction.
Omwoyo called for middle ground resolution between the media house and State House to enable accredited journalists enjoy their professional space without undue harassment. State House on its part claims the headlines on the Standard are sensational, fake and do not conform to journalistic ethics.
In the meantime, Omwoyo has called on the government to ensure security of journalists as cases of attacks on media personnel going about their duties is on the rise.
During Madaraka Day celebrations at Homabay County security personnel attacked and injured journalists despite their displaying valid press cards.
TV producers Steve Okedi (KTN) and Marble Achieng (NTV) as well as Royal Media Services Journalist Ephantus Maina sustained injuries on their legs when they were assaulted by police officers. In the ensuing melee George Odiwuor a photojournalist with NTV lost his laptop.
Omwoyo said such incidences can be avoided if security apparatus are diligent enough to accord journalists a conducive working environment.
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