Government Spokesman Cyrus Oguna on Tuesday evening, February 10, was forced to change tune on media coverage of the late second President of Republic of Kenya Daniel Arap Moi's National Prayer Service.
In a letter earlier signed by Oguna, he stated that only few media houses would be allowed to cover the service, raising an uproar from a section of journalists.
"Only four accredited production unites to cover the proceedings. These production units are; KTN, KBC, Ministry of Defence and the Joint Production team.
"It is only the crew and equipment of the four production units that shall be allowed into Nyayo National Stadium." read an excerpt in the letter.
The statement did not sit well with journalists who had already been accredited to take part in the coverage.
"Why are you denying other TV stations the rights to televise the event, we have been enjoying the last three days getting updates across all the channels," Barrack Otieno stated.
"You cannot control how people remember events. History will be written and spoken by many and in many ways," Tez Lore weighed in.
Complains from the journalists forced the government to add some of the other media houses who had been left out.
"Clarification: Media coverage at National Prayer Service for former president Moi - Citizen TV, NTV, K24 to shoot," Oguna clarified on his Twitter page.
Kenyans started streaming in as early as 4 am at the Nyayo Stadium to give their last respects to the late president.
According to KTN News, Mzee Moi's body may be taken to State House before being taken to Nyayo Stadium.
Around 10 presidents are expected to grace the National prayer service.
