MCK Punishes K24, Royal Media & the Star Journalists Who Fought In Public

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has suspended the registration of three Siaya-based journalists who were recently involved in a scuffle during a public event on January 20, 2024.

The decision was revealed in a statement on Thursday, January 25 following a meeting between the Council and the three who included Josiah Odanga (Radio Africa Group- The Star), George Amolo (Royal Media Services - Ramogi) and Mary Goretty Juma (Mediamax Network- K24) at the Council's Kisumu offices.

MCK Chief Executive Officer (CEO) David Omwoyo who led the meeting, informed the journalists of the Council's decision to suspend their MCK accreditation with immediate effect.

The Council also communicated the suspension to the managing editors of the respective media houses where the journalists work.

This decision stems from MCK's mandate, conferred by the Media Council Act, 2013, to promote and protect media independence as well as enhance ethical and professional standards among journalists and media enterprises.

"Considering your own admission of engaging in unprofessional conduct, such as demanding and fighting for handouts, the Council hereby suspends your accreditation until further notice," Omwoyo informed the trio.

The Council will further engage with the editorial leadership of the affected media houses to discuss conditions for reinstatement of accreditation.

"We believe we have given the journalists a fair hearing and that administrative action is necessary to restore sanity and discipline in the profession," added Omwoyo.

The Council had viewed the journalists' action as a violation of the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya.

The trio were accused of specifically violating Articles 4 and 5 on Integrity and Accountability respectively, which require journalists to "desist from soliciting or accepting gifts, favours or compensation from those who might seek to influence coverage" and "actively encourage adherence to these standards by all journalists and media practitioners."

The decision came after MCK condemned violence perpetrated by members of the Fourth Estate against their own, in response to the incident.

The council lamented that journalists resorting to instigating physical fights amongst themselves or on members of the public as well as engaging in slander not only jeopardises their professional credibility but also undermines the principles of responsible journalism.

"Journalists have a responsibility to conduct themselves with integrity and decorum, even in the face of aggression. We encourage all journalists to uphold their commitment to truth, accuracy and objectivity, and to prioritise respectful dialogue and constructive criticism over personal attacks or violence," MCK's statement on Tuesday, January 23 read in part.

MCK urged media houses to stop publishing one-sided stories written by their respective employees as this causes more confusion and veils facts during a conflict.

"The Council remains committed to working with all stakeholders to create a more respectful and collaborative media environment. We believe that journalists can, and should, work together to hold power to account, inform the public and contribute to a better society," MCK added.

The media regulator went on to caution that any accredited journalist engaged in similar altercations risks losing their registration with the MCK.