MCK calls for journalists' protection in the wake of DP Gachagua's remarks

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has asked politicians to refrain from profiling journalists performing their watchdog role.

The MCK's statement comes following remarks by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Murang'a County accusing journalists of biasness against him and President William Ruto's administration.

David Omwoyo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Media Council of Kenya, says such remarks by politicians tend to intimidate journalists against performing their watchdog functions.

"When leaders attack journalists, it can erode public trust in the media by creating an atmosphere of distrust and suspicion towards the press. This can lead to questions on the accuracy and objectivity of news reporting, which is essential for maintaining an informed citizenry," Omwoyo said in a statement dated Friday, February 24.

"Attacking journalists, we believe, is a distraction from important issues that require attention and action. The council takes such acts as attempts to silence or intimidate the media from undertaking its rightful duty," added the MCK boss.

Omwoyo asked members of the public who feel aggrieved by media reports to file complaints with the Media Council of Kenya's Complaints Commission, instead of engaging in public lynching.