The Communications Authority of Kenya has issued a directive to media houses asking them to cease covering political events live on air.
In a letter sent to media houses on Friday, the authority reminded broadcasters of their mandate to be responsible while broadcasting political events.
“This is further to earlier engagements the authority has had with the broadcasters to remind them of their obligations in respect to the responsible use of broadcasting platforms,” the statement read in part.
The letter further urged media houses to be cautious especially during this time when the political wounds were still raw.
[caption caption="The statement by Communication Authority"]
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Furthermore, the body warned against coverage of events which were “spreading hatred and incitement.”
“As we come out of the electioneering period, the Authority requires media houses to avoid airing content that can create hatred and incitement hence threatening peace and cohesion in the country,” the statement read.
The statement further demanded: “In this regard, the authority directs broadcasters to cease airing live coverage of political events that are taking part.”
The authority asked media houses to issue their statements on whether they would comply with the requirement.
However, some media houses did not respond officially and those that did, like NTV Kenya as through their manager Linus Kaikai stated that they had ignored the ban.
[caption caption="Members of the Kenya Editors Guild issuing a joint statement"]
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Mr Kaikai wrote on his Twitter account: “Communication Authority letter purportedly ‘banning’ live broadcast of Friday chaos. Cites no law or regulations violated.’Ban’ ignored by broadcasters.”
