Once again Members of Parliament have voted for a bill that would infringe on the freedom of the Kenyan media.
The Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Bill sponsored by Eldan MP Adan Keynan seeks to shield Mps from media scrutiny.
If the Bill becomes law, publishing of what the Speaker or Chairmen of committee deem as defamation on Parliament will be criminalised.
Journalists proven guilty of going against the law will pay a fine of Sh500,000 or serve a jail term of two years or both.
This is seen a move to bar journalists from covering stories linking Members of Parliament to scandals of corruption or what would stain their name.
The National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi however said that their was no reason why the media should feel that their constitutional rights would be violated by the bill.
“That is just a legislative proposal and the media have nothing to worry about. Proceedings in the National Assembly are protected and so are the media in our Bill of Rights,” Muturi said when he met Editors in the Parliament building.
The bill is currently in the last stages before becoming law. It can however be subjected to changes before being presented to the President.
Kenya is one of the countries in Africa that the media enjoys one of the most liberal environments.
