MCK Acts Over Magoha’s Al Shabaab Remarks on Journalist.
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has defended an NTV journalist who allegedly received derogatory remarks from Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) George Magoha.
MCK, in a statement dated Wednesday, July 27, lamented Magoha’s habit of harassing journalists and demanded that he retract his statement.
This came after the CS was accused of profiling a female NTV journalist who was wearing a hijab. According to reports, Magoha joked that the media practitioner was an Al Shabaab representative.
“The Media Council of Kenya calls on the National Integration and Cohesion Commission (NCIC) to ensure the Cabinet Secretary issues an unconditional apology, withdraws the unfortunate remarks, and rescinds his directives against the smooth operation of media,” reads an excerpt of the statement.
“The council is disturbed that such comments, actions, and directives by a senior government official can expose members of the Fourth Estate to unnecessary harassment, ridicule, and victimization in the line of duty.”
The media council also petitioned the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to investigate the incident and ensure that the CS apologizes to the female journalist.
Several other journalists have complained to the MCK that he undermines their work.
Magoha was allegedly recorded attacking a Standard Media Group journalist, Augustine Oduor, on December 21, 2021.
He was said to be enraged by Oduor’s decision to break a story about a parastatal under the Ministry of Education’s strategic plan.
The council also accused CS Magoha of conspiring to prevent journalists from accessing schools while covering educational news.
According to the statement, CS directives required journalists to seek permission before visiting any school for media coverage.
“On January 7, 2021, MCK wrote to the CS and the Commission on Administrative Justice to protest a ministerial directive issued by the Ministry of Education requiring journalists to obtain special permission to visit schools for media coverage,” according to the statement.
“Such directives are a violation of journalists’ privileges and rights as provided for by the international treaties and conventions as well as the Constitution of Kenya.”
On Tuesday, a group of Muslim clerics came together to condemn Magoha’s sentiments, calling the act a violation of the journalist’s constitutional rights.
The clerics demanded his resignation or dismissal. They also requested that the NCIC investigate the situation.
CS Magoha has yet to respond to the accusations.
MCK Acts Over Magoha’s Al Shabaab Remarks on Journalist
