MP Babu Owino on the Spot for Threatening Citizen TV Journalist

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino is on the spot for allegedly threatening Citizen TV news editor Muraya Kariuki.

The MP is reported to have phoned and sent threatening messages to the journalist, accusing him of airing negative news about ODM leader Raila Odinga.

On Tuesday, the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) demanded that the MP withdraws the threats and issue an apology to the editor, terming his actions as intimidation and a major infringement on press freedom.

“As the protector of media freedom in Kenya the Media Council of Kenya demands that the MP withdraws the threats and issues an appropriate apology to the journalist and the media fraternity,” MCK said in a statement.

MCK further urged the politician to file any media grievances with the Media Complaints Commission, which is legally mandated to handle such matters under section 27 of the Media Council Act and issue appropriate remedies.

“The Media Council of Kenya condemns any actions by politicians to threaten journalists as they undertake their rightful duties. We urge politicians and leaders to uphold decorum in engaging with the media; to promote positive dialogue as we get into the electioneering period,” the council added.