This archive report was first published on 3 November 2019.
On November 3, 2019, the National Assembly leadership and the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) met in Kisumu to discuss the importance of media freedom.
Editors have long emphasized the need for legislators to protect journalists as they carry out their duties, and this meeting was a crucial step in that direction.
David Omwoyo, MCK's chief executive officer, noted that there have been instances where journalists have had negative encounters with legislators. He stressed the need for a good working relationship between the two groups to effectively serve their audiences.
Churchill Otieno, president of the Editors Guild, echoed Omwoyo's sentiments, urging MPs to defend media freedom and allow journalists to perform their duties effectively.
Justin Muturi, Speaker of the National Assembly, assured that his institution would provide support to ensure the media functions freely. He also challenged media houses to assign specific reporters to the National Assembly to grasp the Standing Orders and accurately relay information.
Aden Duale, National Assembly Majority Leader, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting media freedom, emphasizing the importance of reporting only the truth.
