James Murimi @Jamesmurymy
The government has vowed to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of crimes against journalists while on duty, as the country heads towards the August 2017 General Election.
Information, Communication and Technology Cabinet Secretary Joseph Mucheru said the trend has to be curbed to safeguard media freedom, adding that the government is concerned about the increasing attacks on journalists.
Speaking during the inauguration of Media Council of Kenya Board in a Nairobi hotel yesterday, Mucheru said his ministry will not relent in ensuring that those instilling fear and anxiety among media practitioners are prosecuted.
“Media freedom is prerequisite for thriving democracy. The government will do everything in its power to ensure perpetrators of crimes against journalists are brought to book and that press freedom is guaranteed in line with our Constitution,” said Mucheru.
New board “Mucheru said the new board’s inauguration will help MCK enhance its regulation role by ensuring that there is order in the sector. Board chairman Charles Kerich said the new inaugurated board would immensely articulate the issues of media practitioners.
Kerich called on the CS to ensure the Complaints Commission is gazetted, adding that names were forwarded to his ministry after an interview was conducted two months ago. “Arbitrating disputes is the cornerstone of Media Council and without the Complaints Commission, we are handicapped,” said Kerich.
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