Speaker Wetang'ula Refutes Claims of Media Ban in Parliament

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has refuted allegations that the media was restricted from entering the Parliament Buildings.

Wetang'ula explains that due to extensive damage caused during recent anti-Finance Bill 2024 demonstrations by Gen Z activists, media personnel have been allocated a dedicated space in the Red Cross building across from the main Parliament complex. Despite this relocation, Wetang'ula assures that the media would continue to have access to live coverage of parliamentary proceedings and would be provided with the necessary resources to carry out their work effectively. He emphasizes the importance of ensuring safety and security for parliamentarians, visitors, and media personnel without causing inconvenience.

"I have been seeing in the media, allegations that any restriction on the media coming to Parliament. Nothing is far from the truth and the testimony is that you are being here before me and that you have come to Parliament to do your work," he said.

The Speaker reassures Kenyans that they would still be able to stream Parliament sessions as before. On July 17, Wetang'ula met with media stakeholders to discuss strengthening partnerships with media associations. During this meeting, he voiced the critical role of the media in ensuring effective parliamentary work and public accountability. The Speaker acknowledged the media as an essential stakeholder in facilitating the efficient delivery of parliamentary duties and informing the public while upholding national values of transparency and accountability.

"The Media is an integral stakeholder in facilitating effective delivery of Parliamentary work and in informing the public while ensuring National values on transparency and accountability are achieved," Wetang'ula said.

Wetang'ula also highlighted the constitutional basis for the media's role, citing Articles 34, 35, and 118 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010. The Parliamentary Service Commission engaged in discussions with representatives from key media organizations, including the Media Council of Kenya, the Kenya Union of Journalists, and the Kenya Parliamentary Journalists Association.