The Communications Authority of Kenya has cracked the whip on Homeboyz Radio following the remarks made by its presenters Shaffie Weru, DJ Joe Mfalme, and DJ Neville that have caused outrage across the country.
Speaking during a press conference at CAK headquarters on Sunday, March 28, Director-General Mercy Wanjau stated that Homeboyz Radio had been fined Ksh 1 million.
CAK directed the station to publish a public apology in two newspapers with nationwide circulation and air the same apology on the station during prime time starting from March 28 and to continue for the next five days.
The authority imposed a six-month suspension of the offending show until the station demonstrates compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements.
The media regulator also directed that the station's staff must undergo training and sensitization on gender issues. The training should be certified by the National Gender and Equality Commission and evidence of compliance filed with the authority.
Homeboyz Radio employees will undergo training on the Programming Code which will be conducted by the authority.
The station was ordered to review its editorial policy to align it with requirements of the law on gender, and file the same with the Authority.
CAK further directed that the station ensures that its presenters are accredited by the Media Council of Kenya and files evidence of compliance with the authority.
The regulator will continue monitoring the programming aired by media houses to ensure they conform to the provisions of the ICT sector law as well as the Kenya Information and Communications Act.
Part of the internal measures that Homeboyz Radio instituted included terminating the three presenters' contracts over gross misconduct.
"The comments of said erstwhile employees were neither authorized, approved nor cleared with the company nor was the subject discussed and or authorized by the company’s senior leadership. We are deeply disappointed in their conduct," Homeboyz Radio General Manager Somoina Kimonjino said in a statement.
Shaffie Weru alongside his co-hosts, Neville Musya and DJ Joe Mfalme were accused of shaming a sexual violence survivor after her boyfriend threw her off the 12th floor of a building because she refused to spend the night at his place.
