A section of journalists accredited to report on parliamentary proceedings from the media precincts alleged a plot to block them from accessing the precincts.
In a statement shared by Royal Media Services journalist Stephen Letoo on Tuesday, he confirmed being informed of plans to relocate the media to outside the parliament buildings.
According to Letoo, the journalists were termed as a “security threat” to the members of parliament.
Further, the journalist relayed that the proposal was allegedly supported by the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Service Commission.
“So now Hon Wetangula, National Assembly Speaker and Parliamentary Service Commission Chair want to Kick out Journalists Covering Parliament from the Precints (Media Centre) on grounds we are a source of 'insecurity to MPs' following #OccupyParliament coverage!” read the statement in part.
Following the in-depth coverage of the parliamentary breach presented by the journalists present at parliament buildings on June 25, the journalists have also claimed that two notable figures were banned.
According to Letoo, Seth Olale another journalist from the Royal Media Services was also banned from accessing the new media designated area.
“Other than the relocation of Parliamentary Journalists to Outside Parliament, there is a resolution to BAN some journalists myself included who Covered #OccupyParliament from stepping in the new area. Seth Olale who exposed the MPs escape tunnel was also banned.”
Additionally, Seth Olale confirmed having been banned from the precincts.
“Reliable sources within the Parliament of Kenya confirm that indeed I have been BANNED from Parliament alongside my colleague Stephen Letoo because of our role in highlighting OccupyParliament,” read Olale’s statement.
Olale termed the move by the PSC as ill-advised and an infringement against media freedom.
However, the Parliamentary Service Commission was yet to issue a statement on the matter at the time of publication of this article.
