NTV anchor Mark Masai went off the news script to condemn politicians who were embroiled in gun drama, voter bribery, assault of IEBC officials and other election malpractices during by-elections which were conducted on Thursday, March 4.
Masai, on Friday, March 5, during a live news bulletin raised concerns about the political temperature in the country.
The anchor warned that Kenya may emerge the greatest loser if the 2022 General Elections will be similar to the mini polls, which were predicted to be a litmus taste for the main polls.
"There were arrests of these leaders but many have since been released on bond, with arrests being somewhat bragging rights for their political godfathers.
“One thing is clear, these politicians and their actions are simply pathetic and simply put, ‘shame on you!'. There is nothing mheshimiwa (honourable) about you and the country can do better without such leaders and politics like yours," Masai rebuked.
Among those who were arrested were MPs Didmus Barasa (Kimilili), Nelson Koech (Belgut) and Senator Samson Cherargei (Nandi) and former Sports CS Rashid Echesa.
Echesa is currently being detained at DCI headquarters in Nairobi, while the others were released on Ksh50,000 bond.
Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen and Langata MP Nixon Korir were assaulted by a mob in London ward, Nakuru County while Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala wrestled a police officer who allegedly stole his Ksh 2 million at Matungu Police Station.
On Thursday, March 4, Citizen TV anchors, Joe Ageyo, Linus Kaikai, Francis Gachuri and Jamila Mohamed also castigated the politicians and urged President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto to take charge and lead the country by example.
"Much of what was displayed was infertile and dangerous. We saw not just violence but a high level of maturity. We are worried about 2022. If the voter cannot cast votes peacefully, then we have a lot to be concerned about.
"How do we forget so fast about the 2007/2008 post-election violence and the 2017 nullified election. And even our police forces were misused in the by-elections similar to the previous elections. We propose a simple remedy to Kenyatta, Ruto and ODM leader Odinga. These three should take this country and responsibility seriously," the four journalists' joint kicker read.
