Journalists Cautioned Against Hustler & Dynasty Slogans

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Journalists at a press briefing held by Education CS George Magoha in Nairobi on Wednesday, January 6, 2021
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Journalists have been urged to refrain from publishing inflammatory and divisive slogans that have the potential of causing divisions in the country.

In a sensitisation meeting with scribes on January 27, 2021, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) appealed to the media to desist from being used by politicians as a channel to advance divisive politics.

NCIC Commissioner Phillip Okundi stated that the hustler and dynasty slogans as peddled by politicians in the country are a threat to the peace and calm enjoyed by the people.

"You people should not be used by anybody to try and write things that will cause violence amongst our people," Okundi urged.

NCIC Commissioner Phillip Okundi and Dorcas Kedogo addressing the media on October 28, 2020.
NCIC Commissioner Phillip Okundi and Dorcas Kedogo addressing the media on October 28, 2020.
KNA

He further stated that the narrative of dynasties and hustlers, 'the haves and have nots' had been used to divide people in political scenes worldwide for a long time.

"We should not use such terms, taking them to heart and trying to arouse unnecessary feelings which would make us work against Kenyans who deserve to live peaceful lives," Okundi remarked.

The NCIC commissioner cautioned politicians in the country against using the hustlers and dynasties slogans in campaigns, as they are likely to create a toxic rift between members of the public.

Onkundi reiterated that scribes should not be used to champion certain political beliefs and ideologies especially at a time when the country inches closer to the 2022 general elections.

NCIC Commissioner Dorcas Kedogo urged members of the public to shun divisive politics and embrace each other regardless of the disparities in social class.

The call by NCIC comes at the back of the political tension brewing in the country pitting supporters of Deputy President William Ruto against proponents of the handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM Leader Raila Odinga.

The NCIC has in the past expressed its belief in the power of the media in creating and advancing social change.

In a press in Nandi County on October 28, 2020, Okundi had urged journalists be at the forefront in enlightening members of the public on matters cohesion and the understanding of national values as enshrined in the Kenyan constitution

ā€œIā€™d like the media to be champions of peace by being objective in their reporting and not igniting the masses negatively through malicious and sensational print or broadcast material," Okundi had stated.

ā€œI call upon the media to be principled and observe code of ethics as they report on issues that are conflictual and should not take sides to attract sales,ā€ Kedogo had on her part urged.

Microphones set up for a press conference in Nairobi on Thursday, February 20, 2020.
Microphones set up for a press conference in Nairobi on Thursday, February 20, 2020.
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