Raila condemns alleged attack of journalists at Orange House
Raila Odinga Presidential Secretariat Spokesperson Makau Mutua now says the ODM party and Azimio la Umoja Movement are investigating an incident where two journalists were allegedly attacked at Orange House on Thursday.
Mutua said the party and Raila do not condone violence, more so against journalists.
"The leadership of ODM has always and will always continue to fight for the free press and was at the forefront of the struggle for the 2010 constitution which protects the freedom of expression, association and related expressive rights," Matua said in a statement.
The alleged attack of the journalists, Moses Nyamori of The Standard and Luke Awich of The Star, has received widespread condemnation.
On Thursday afternoon, the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) condemned the attack saying it undermined the freedom of the press.
In a statement, MCK Chief Executive Officer (CEO) David Omwoyo said the attack was uncalled for and called on the ODM leader Raila Odinga to disown the unfortunate incident.
"The Council is concerned at political party orchestrated violence against journalists and lack of investigations on such and is calling upon the Inspector General of Police Mr. Hillary Mutyambai to arrest the perpetrators," Omwoyo said.
"The two journalists were singled out days after stories published under their bylines on Thursday, 17th March 2022 attracted verbal attacks and threats from specific party officials who had been quoted in the story.
"Profiling of journalists by leaders and supporters of political parties goes against Articles 34 and 35 of the Constitution on freedom of media and access to information," the MCK boss stated.
Omwoyo also called on the Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC)and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties to take stern action against parties and aspirants that condone all forms of violence and especially violence against the media.
"While the work of the media is subject to scrutiny and feedback, any complaints on the violation of the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya should be reported to the Media Complaints Commissions which is legally mandated to adjudicate on the same," he added.
