Buuri MP Mugambi Rindikiri is a disappointed man. A TV interview scheduled for Tuesday night on Mlima TV, a station associated with Governor Kiraitu Murungi, was cancelled a few minutes to time.
According to Hon. Rindikiri, the decision was made by Governor Kiraitu, who hosted ODM leader Raila Odinga in Meru and officially joined the Azimio la Umoja Coalition on Tuesday evening.
“It’s unfortunate that in this day and era the Media has no freedom. The lords of backwardness, dictatorship and bad leadership are up to it again,” reads part of his protest statement.
The legislator, a UDA member, says his political persuasion led to to cancellation of the much publicized interview.
“Today I was scheduled for an interview on Mlima TV but due to my stand on the kind of leadership we need in this country and our Meru County, it has been called off by the presumed high and mighty who are hell bent to cripple this country.” says Hon. Rindikiri.
A section of waiting viewers took to Social Media to express their disappointment, terming the move by the media station unfortunate and politically motivated.
“We are the people and the people of BUURI don’t need radio or TVs. Sisi ndio radio na TVs yako Mheshimwa.” says Mr. Gituma Kenneth.
“Other than over the radio we knew you, you’ve always visited your constituents in their villages. Your work talks louder than all radio stations combined. Kwa ground mambo ni tofauti na wanavyo fikiri. UDA SAAANA,” says Paul Muthaka.
“Mlima TV, you have stooped too low. Otherwise this confirms that Hon. Murwithania Rindikiri is a force to reckon with, an enigma, epitome of wisdom, super cut leader.” says Boniface Kirema.
“We are not ready to support Azimio, whether Kang’ang’iri cancels the interview or not. Meru Kwanza. Kenya kwanza. Chama ni UDA.” says Fred Kithinji.
Media Owners
Early last week (4th March 2022), the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) signed an agreement with the Kenya Editor’s Guild and the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) to address the rising cases of misinformation and disinformation during the electioneering period.
According to Mr. Churchill Otieno, the Kenya Editor’s Guild President, media owners may opt to take individual stands during the election, but journalists attached to the media houses should remain steadfast in defending their credibility.
“There are individuals who own media enterprises, and Kenya being a free market zone, that does not deny them the right to take political stands and participate in elections as individuals,” he noted.
Mr. Otieno encouraged newsrooms that decided to choose political sides to be transparent and make it public.
“Those who make such choices should disclose the same and make it very clear they are taking political sides. All media houses must respect the doctrine of fairness and neutrality in their coverage.”
On his part, IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati noted that the commission will work closely with the media to ensure that fake information is not fed to the public.
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