The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has issued a statement regarding the recent incidences of profiling and threats to journalists and media houses by a section of politicians.

MCK boss Davi Omwoyo issued the statement on Thursday against the backdrop of recent verbal attacks against Citizen TV that were launched by the controversial Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro.

Oscar Sudi. PHOTO/COURTESY

The two legislators castigated the media house allegedly for being biased in its reporting.

"Citizen TV, you can continue covering and reporting on Azimio and Junet Mohamed with all his (censored) and abusive remarks," Sudi said.

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“We particularly take note of the latest verbal attack against Citizen TV by Kapseret Member of Parliament Hon Oscar Sudi vide a social media post meant to intimidate the editorial discretion of the station,” the MCK statement read.

“Hon Sudi's statement comes after similar threats by South Mugirango Member of Parliament Hon Silvanus Osoro who castigated the media outlet for alleged biased reporting.”

Sylvanus Osoro. PHOTO/COURTESY

MCK said it is concerned about the increasing incidences of profiling and threats to individual journalists and media outlets by politicians related to the 2022 General Election campaigns.

According to the council, such threats may incite the public and political supporters against the media and expose members of the 4th estate to serious trouble.

“The Council is disturbed that such threats are likely to incite the public and political supporters against the media and may thus expose journalists and media practitioners to violations of their rights as they go about their rightful duties,” the statement continued.

The commission also noted the attacks and intimidation of the media contravenes Articles 34 and 35 of the Constitution on the Freedom of Media and Access to Information.

MCK said it has documented 45 cases of press freedom violations, most of them related to electioneering and political campaigns since January 2022.

The council advised politicians and the public that Kenya's media and journalists are guided by a professional code of conduct, with sufficient mechanisms for self-regulation, both as an industry or at a personal level.

MCK also urged aggrieved Kenyans and politicians aggrieved by the conduct of the media to seek legal redress through the available channels.

“The Council encourages Kenyans and particularly politicians who feel aggrieved by the conduct of the media to seek redress through the Media Complaints Commission, which is established under the Media Council Act, 213 to address media-related disputes,” MCK said.