Media Council Demands Apology From MP Babu Owino Over Threats To Citizen TV Editor

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has issued a statement condemning threats by Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino directed at Citizen TV Editor Muraya Kariuki.

MCK warned Owino against intimidating journalists, demanding an apology from him and withdrawal of the threats issued to Kariuki.

The Legislator had accused the editor of favoritism, stating he always portrays Raila Odinga in a bad light as opposed to their opponent Deputy President William Ruto.

“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 MCK added.

The Council also asked Babu Owino to apologize to Kariuki and the entire Media fraternity over his actions.

“As the protector of media freedom in Kenya, the @MediaCouncilK demands that the MP withdraws the threats and issues an appropriate apology to the journalist and the media fraternity.

“Further, we advise MP Babu Owino to file any media grievances he has with the. @CcommissionKE Commission which is legally mandated to handle such matters under section 27 of the Media Council Act, 2013 and issue appropriate remedies” said MCK

On September 6, 2020 Muraya Kariuki made public threats he had received from a man who introduced himself as MP Babu Owino.

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“I just received a very nasty phone call from a person who introduced themselves as Hon Babu Owino on +254 711 111311 This has to do with the work I do. It is not good manners to try to scare lowly journalists. Tunaomba tufanye kazi kwa amani” said Muraya Kariuki.

On September 7, MCK cautioned Politicians against attacking the media saying those who will persist will face hurdles when seeking clearance to run for elective seats in the upcoming General Elections.

“Any politician who attacks the media is a threat to press freedom and the Media Council of Kenya will oppose their clearance for participation in the next elections,” Omwoyo said.