The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has intervened after Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili alias Babu Owino allegedly sent threatening messages to Citizen TV Editor Muraya Kariuki.
In a statement on Tuesday, September 7, MCK warned Babu against intimidating journalists and asked him to withdraw the messages.
Further, the council demanded that the MP issues an apology to the Citizen TV news editor noting that his remarks were a major infringement on press freedom.
The body added that the MP ought to protect the Constitution which he vowed to obey when he took office by respecting freedom of the press.
"Media Council of Kenya takes exception with the threats issued by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino to Citizen TV journalist Muraya Kariuki on his coverage of the ODM leader. This amounts to intimidation and a major infringement on press freedom."
"By virtue of his position as a legislator, we demand that the MP protects the very provisions of the Constitution that protect freedom of expression, press freedom and access to information as provided for in the Constitution," the statement from the MCK read in part.
MCK insisted that the Embakasi East Lawmaker must apologize to Kariuki and the media fraternity adding that it was making such demands as the properly constituted organ to protect media freedom in Kenya.
It further encouraged the MP to file any grievances he has with the Media Complaints Commission and assured him that the matter will be looked into once he reports it.
"We advise MP Babu Owino to file any media grievances he has with the commission which is legally mandated to handle such matters under section 27 of the Media Council Act, 2013 and issues appropriate remedies," the statement added.
MCK also strongly condemned politicians who threaten journalists while on official duties. Further, the Council asked politicians to promote positive dialogue as the country heads into an electioneering period.
Muraya, on Monday, September 6, took to social media to expose threatening messages allegedly sent to him by the Embakasi East Member of Parliament.
He shared screenshots of Babu's derogatory messages and tweets about him.
The Embakasi East MP had told the senior journalist to take responsibility for the negative news that he was airing against the ODM party leader Raila Odinga and accused Muraya of being on the Deputy President William Ruto's payroll.
