The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has slammed media houses that have been accused of criticising the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President, Faith Odhiambo, for accepting the appointment to the Presidential Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Protests and Riots.
In a statement on Sunday, September 7, MCK claimed that the attacks on Odhiambo by Media Houses are uncalled for and in bad faith, since serving on such a panel is a way of contributing to ensuring governance and accountability in the country.
According to MCK, encouraging Odhiambo to refuse the role is equivalent to asking other members of LSK in public service to resign, a move that would in turn weaken LSK's ability to influence governance in the country.
The council noted that, if an institution like LSK criticises government actions but rejects an opportunity to address them, it risks appearing as a rebel without a cause.
"It is worth noting that LSK members currently lead key public institutions, including the Judiciary, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Attorney General's Office, and even the Media Complaints Commission," MCK stated.
"Decisions made by these individuals are often viewed as government decisions. To demand that Ms Odhiambo reject her appointment is an illogical demand tantamount to calling for all LSK members in public service to resign and focus solely on criticising the government. Such a stance is neither logical nor constructive; it undermines the very fabric of collaborative progress," it added.
The council, which acknowledged the media as a vital tool to call for accountability despite tough conditions, such as attacks during protests, noted that criticising such appointments risks eroding public trust in the media.
MCK has stressed the need for the media to ensure that they are fair and objective in their reporting in a broader bid to call for justice and accountability in the country.
"The media has an indisputable right to critique government actions and hold those in authority accountable. However, condemning Ms Odhiambo for an anticipated failure before she has even begun her work is not only premature but also cynical and counterproductive and borders on sadism," LSK stated.
"When the media succumbs to the pressure of mob justice, it becomes the greatest betrayer of its own independence and objectivity, eroding public trust and betraying the principles it claims to defend," it added.
In her speech on Thursday, September 4, during the swearing-in of the panel, Odhiambo dismissed claims that by accepting the role, she had betrayed Kenyans.
Odhiambo maintained that the decision to accept the role was informed by a duty to safeguard justice and the rule of law while ensuring that victims of protests receive a fair hearing.
“As I take up this responsibility, let it be known that I have in no way betrayed your trust,” she said. “Let it be clear that access to criminal justice remains critical to me in our quest to promote and protect the rule of law as an essential element in the enjoyment of the fundamental human rights and freedoms," Odhiambo said.
