Three journalists based in Siaya have been suspended by the media council of Kenya following a public scuffle.
The decision was revealed following a meeting between the Council and the three – Josiah Odanga (Radio Africa Group – The Star), George Amolo (Royal Media Services – Ramogi) and Mary Goretty Juma (Mediamax Network-K24 TV) at the Council Kisumu offices.
MCK CEO David Omwoyo issued the suspension letter.
The Council has also communicated the suspension to the managing editors of the respective media houses where the journalists work.
The decision was attributed to MCK 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,” said Omwoyo.
The Council views the journalists’ action as a violation of the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya, specifically 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.”
Radio Africa Group had demanded a swift investigation into the attack on its correspondent who was wounded at an MP’s event in Gem on Sunday.
Star Newspaper correspondent Josiah Odanga was assaulted and wounded by fellow journalists who he said were unhappy with him for turning up to cover the event at Karariw Primary School, where local MP Elisha Odhiambo was distributing bursary cheques to needy students.
He was hit on the head where he sustained a wound. Odanga was taken to Siaya County Referral Hospital while bleeding from the head.
Odanga was reportedly attacked by Radio Ramogi reporter George Amolo and K24’s Goretty Juma, whom he said were unhappy with him for turning up at the event which they wanted covered by a few select journalists.
“I was conversing with a colleague when he came verbally assaulting and pointing at me. I implored him to calm down but he refused,” said Odanga.
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