Media Will Be Forced To Publish What Pleases Politicians- Journalists To Raila

The Political Journalists Association of Kenya (PJAK) has expressed that Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga's call for the boycott of several products and services, including Radio Africa Group's The Star Newspaper could force journalists to change their reporting style.

In a statement seen by Viral Tea dated Tuesday, March 21, PJAK's Secretary General, Jerry Rawlings, warned that his remarks would compel journalists to publish stories that would satisfy some politicians, ruining the freedom of the press.

PJAK expressed their shock at Raila's remarks to boycott the national newspaper and his decision to specifically target the product without explaining why he did so during a media briefing he held earlier.

"Political Journalists Association of Kenya (PJAK) is shocked with the call by Azimio leader Raila Amollo Odinga to his supporters to boycott Star Newspaper. It is unfortunate that the former Prime Minister singled out only The Star Newspaper without explaining the reasons why his supporters should boycott the product.

"We note with concern that such remarks will only force the media to publish what is only palatable to a section of the political class. This is unacceptable," Rawlings stated in part.

PJAK added that freedom and independence of electronic, print and all other types of media is guaranteed under the Constitution in article 34 and that Raila's remarks sought to undermine the fundamental freedom of the media to cover and publish or air any content that the media deem fit.

"If Rt Hon Raila Odinga has an issue with The Star newspaper, there are proper channels of addressing the grievances that he may have. Calling on his supporters to boycott The Star newspaper will not only endanger the lives of the journalists who are also facing the vagaries of the high cost of living which he is championing to come down.

"We call upon Raila and his Azimio leadership to reconsider this move which is not only aggravating the unemployment but also endangering the lives of the journalists," added PJAK.

So far, the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), the Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) and the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) have expressed their outrage at Raila's comments which singled out the daily newspaper as among corporates that "have become enablers and facilitators of this brutal regime" and have as such "become the enemies of the people", despite earlier commending the media for its coverage of the March 20 protests.

MCK CEO David Omwoyo stated that his remarks against the media house are part of Raila's efforts to manipulate public opinion and limit freedom of the press, which are both fundamental components of a healthy democracy. In addition, Raila's utterances as a leading political figure are likely to put journalists who work at The Star newspaper at risk as they may be attacked by supporters of the political coalition.

The media regulator also warned members of the public allied to Azimio against boycotting a national newspaper as it could damage the media house economically and be forced to initiate a fresh round of mass firings to keep afloat its finances.

The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) echoed the MCK's sentiments while reminding Raila that he is a leader who understands the importance of a free and independent press in promoting good governance and transparency in the public process, which he is fighting for.

On its part, the Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG) also reprimanded Raila's remarks, stating that no further detail or evidence is provided of The Star’s supposed offence.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka during the presser however moved to diffuse the uproar against the coalition by members of the Fourth Estate by reiterating Raila's praise for the media during their coverage of the protests.

"Boycotting does not mean taking action against the media. We respect the media and you saw during the conclusion of his statement expressing his gratitude to the media because you are part of this struggle...clear indication.

"There are maybe those who probably think that we don't have rights, we have a right to boycott...it's not to act in isolation or anything. What we are saying is fair reporting but if you take a position, then Kenyans also have a position to take in contrary opinion, not necessarily being in contravention of media freedom in which we believe, and as I said the struggle is actually even media-led," stated Kalonzo, further warning the newspaper to be impartial in their reporting.