Backlash Over MCK Bashing Media Houses Over Criticism Of Faith Odhiambo

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has come under heavy criticism over its statement slamming media outlets for attacking Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo over her decision to join the Presidential Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Protests and Riots.

In a statement released earlier on Sunday, September 7, MCK dismissed the backlash as unfair, arguing that Odhiambo’s participation helps strengthen governance and accountability.

The council added that urging her to turn down the role was akin to asking other LSK members in public service to step aside, which would only weaken the society’s influence in shaping national policy.

MCK further cautioned that if LSK condemns government actions but rejects platforms to address them, it risks being seen as opposing without offering solutions.

"It is worth noting that LSK members currently lead key public institutions, including the Judiciary, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Attorney General's Office, and even the Media Complaints Commission," MCK stated.

"Decisions made by these individuals are often viewed as government decisions. To demand that Ms Odhiambo reject her appointment is an illogical demand tantamount to calling for all LSK members in public service to resign and focus solely on criticising the government. Such a stance is neither logical nor constructive; it undermines the very fabric of collaborative progress."

The council, while recognising the media’s crucial role in pushing for accountability even under difficult circumstances like attacks during protests, warned that faulting such appointments could undermine public confidence in the press.

MCK emphasised that the media must remain fair and objective in their reporting as part of the wider responsibility to promote justice and accountability in the country.

"The media has an indisputable right to critique government actions and hold those in authority accountable. However, condemning Ms Odhiambo for an anticipated failure before she has even begun her work is not only premature but also cynical and counterproductive and borders on sadism," LSK stated.

"When the media succumbs to the pressure of mob justice, it becomes the greatest betrayer of its own independence and objectivity, eroding public trust and betraying the principles it claims to defend."

However, MCK's statement drew sharp criticism from Kenyans, most of whom criticised the independent national institution, established by the Media Act of 2004, as the leading institution in the regulation of media and the conduct and discipline of journalists in Kenya, for siding with the Kenya Kwanza government.

“Media Council, stop being ignorant. The Panel's Mandate belongs to the KNCHR. When Faith Odhiambo accepted the appointment, she weakened LSK's statutory functions. She needs to therefore resign from LSK. In any case, nothing meaningful will come out of that Panel," Atheists in Kenya Society (AIKS) replied.

"Why single out the media when countless Kenyans and even members of the LSK have raised concerns, some through formal channels? Let’s not forget: the media doesn’t manufacture news; at most, it investigates and reports what’s already unfolding."

"The Media Council of Kenya has reduced itself to a pitiful chihuahua, barking at the media for holding the LSK leader to account. They were mum when Faith turned Ruto down last year. The media regulator has no business directing the media or public discourse on this matter," other comments read.

During the panel’s swearing-in on Thursday, September 4, Odhiambo rejected claims that taking up the role amounted to betraying Kenyans.

She insisted her decision was driven by the responsibility to uphold justice and the rule of law, while guaranteeing that victims of protests are given a fair platform to be heard.