Senators banded together and defended Murang'a Senator Irungu Kang'ata over a fake embarrassing video that was circulating on social media platforms.
Kang'ata raised a request for a statement and lodged a complaint against media houses over the video, which he stated was altered and manipulated to create the impression that he was in a bar.
The senator stated that he does not drink since it is against his Catholic faith. He called out media houses that spread the false video and accused four media houses of flouting the House Standing Orders.
Speaking on Wednesday, September 15, during a session at the Senate, Kang'ata asked Speaker Ken Lusaka to take serious action against the four media houses.
"That manipulation if it stayed on social media, maybe that would be understandable but it was picked up by the mainstream media outlets, which have a representation here in this Parliament."
"They come to Parliament, they record and they get access to public facilities. The following media stations are: Citizen TV , The Star Online, K24 and Kameme FM," Kang'ata stated.
Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo also called for the punishment of the media houses that publicised the fake video and asked the Speaker to request KBC to share the actual footage.
"You deal with the people who then broadcast the wrong video. They must give an explanation to this House as to how they got that video," the lawmaker stated.
"When we were complaining about the manipulation of servers, this is exactly what we were saying. First, you manipulate numbers, you manipulate a voice, the next time they're going to manipulate you. They're going to show you without clothes but with your voice," he continued.
He demanded action be taken, adding that the person who manipulated the video did not just paint a bad picture of Kang'ata but violated the good standing of the House of the Senate.
Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula also castigated the media houses who shared the video and also rebuked one of the publications that claimed that the Speaker overheard a member saying that the Murang'a senator was in a bar.
Wetangula questioned why the media houses distorted videos and shared them with Kenyans who hold members of the fourth estate in high regard.
"Mr Speaker, Sabina Joy is not just a bar. It is a place of sin and for years it has been a dirty place. For the media to pick that kind of gutter reporting and associate the place and malign him is something we must all condemn," the Ford Kenya Party Leader stated.
Senator Aaron Cheruiyot added his voice to the debate and called out the media over its coverage of news especially during this electioneering period.
The Kericho County lawmaker asked Speaker Lusaka to refer the matter to the ICT or Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, which will summon the media houses and the Media Council of Kenya over the conduct of the press.
"We need to put to question the Media Council of Kenya, ask them what they are doing about such malpractice. So refer this matter to a committee of the House, Mr Speaker," the Senator stated, as his colleagues applauded him.
Speaker Lusaka vowed to deal with the matter and give his ruling on Tuesday, September 21, when the House convenes, adding that he will make an example out of the culprits.
"The Speaker uses evidence produced to him in this House. That's why I'm saying that it does not matter how long it takes, but justice must be done. And I want to ask you to allow me to make a detailed ruling on Tuesday."
"I was saying the ruling is going to serve as an example to other media houses who manipulate or want to play around with proceedings," Speaker Lusaka stated.
