MCK has asked media houses to give politicians who
perpetrate violence a blackout during campaigns for the 2017 general election.
Chief Executive Officer Haron Mwangi said journalists have a role to play in ensuring peace in the coming election by reporting responsibly.
Mwangi said they should focus on issues that drive the country forward,
report fairly and objectively and guard against being misused by politicians.
“As the medium of communication, we do not want to present a harsh political mood. Journalists must not be tempted to give attention to politicians who cause chaos,” he said.
The CEO expressed concerns following complaints by various agencies on the performance of the media.
Mwangi said they have set up a complaints commission that listens to concerns by ministries including Interior, Information and Treasury, and even from Deputy President William Ruto.
He urged members of the public with complaints on unfair media reporting to report to the Complaint Commission for hearing and determination.
“We are currently listening and hearing most of the reported cases. Anybody who feels the media is not reporting something good should call or contact us through our website," he said.
He addressed a
stakeholders’ peace forum in Kisumu on Thursday.
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Joseph Nasongo from the NCIC said they are tasked with ensuring hate speech matters are monitored, investigated and persecuted.
Nasongo said they intend to carry out training for cohesion monitors in the 47 counties.
The group will follow politicians who propagate hate speech across the country during campaigns, he said.
Nasongo
said the commissioners plan to purchase communication gadgets that will be used to record and show images of politicians giving inflammatory remarks.
“The NCIC is keen to zero in on incidences of hate speech. We are currently reviewing the legislation on hate speech and proposing various amendments to aid this process," he said.
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