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The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has demanded that MP Babu Owino withdraw threats and issue an apology to journalist Muriuki Kariuki after the threats he made to him.
In a statement issued on Today, the council termed the threats made by the Embakasi MP as “intimidation and a major infringement on press freedom.”
“Media Council of Kenya takes exception with the threats issued by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino to Citizen TV journalist Muraya Kariuki on his coverage of the ODM leader (Raila Odinga). This amounts to intimidation and a major infringement on press freedom.
As the protector of media freedom in Kenya the Media Council of Kenya demands that the MP withdraws the threats and issues an appropriate apology to the journalist and the media fraternity,” reads the statement.
MCK further advised Babu Owino to file any media grievances he has with the Media Complaints Commission which is legally mandated to handle such matters under section 27 of the Media Council Act, 2013 and issue appropriate remedies.
“The Media Council of Kenya condemns any actions by politicians to threaten journalists as they undertake their rightful duties. We urge politicians and leaders to uphold decorum in engaging with the media; to promote positive dialogue as we get into the electioneering period,” added the commission.
Babu Owino, who is allied to the ODM party, on Monday made personal phone calls and sent insulting messages to journalist Muraya Kariuki accursing him of unfair coverage of Mr. Odinga.