Following a statement released by the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) on Thursday 3rd February, active journalists who want to vie for political seats coming this August are requested to step down as part of the code of conduct governing the council.
According to the MCK, it is the duty of any practicing journalist bound by the Media Council Act to vacate office to avoid acting contrary to the provisions of the law.
According to section 6 (k) of the Media Council Act 2013, any person who becomes a political candidate or intends to be employed or campaign for a particular political party must step aside from journalistic practice.
This is necessary to curb misuse of offices and resources by media personnel to popularize themselves politically and gain an edge over their competitors.
The decision to have the journalists tender their resignation follows serious concerns by the MCK which noted that some journalists are participating in political campaigning, which is a serious contravention of the Media Council Act.
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“Following our continued media monitoring, it has been established that some journalists, media practitioners, and media enterprises are contravening this provision. The MCK has noted with concern possible violation of the Act and hereby advises them to refrain from violating the provisions of the law,” Omwoyo explained.
He also added that all journalists, media practitioners, and media enterprises have been cautioned by the MCK against using their offices and official media platforms for political gain. This will ensure adherence to the Act and avoidance of any real, imagined, or perceived conflict of interest.
Journalists found contravening the act will be held accountable and the Council will take appropriate enforcement action against them.
In regard to the law already passed, the resignation deadline for public officers is slated to February 9, 2022.
Meanwhile, the Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has also laid out guidelines on public servants eyeing political seats to resign six months ahead of the General Election.
EDITOR’S NOTE:
Article by Doreen