Media Council of Kenya now wants education CS George Magoha to apologise for remarks he made to a NTV journalist in a press briefing.
MCK CEO David Omwoyo on Wednesday in a statement lashed out at Magoha and demanded he withdraws his remarks.
"The National Cohesion and Integration Commission should ensure the CS issues an unconditional apology and withdraws the unfortunate remarks," Omwoyo said.
"The council is disturbed that such comments and directives come from a senior government official, exposing the journalist to unnecessary harassment."
Magoha while addressing the media was asked a question by a Muslim journalist covered in hijab.
Instead of answering the question directly, Magoha instead asked the journalist where she was coming from and if she was representing Al-Shabaab.
“Kwanza wewe unatoka wapi? (Where are you from?). Who are you representing because if you are representing al Shabaab I will not answer you," Magoha said.
The remarks have sparked controversy with Muslim clerics terming them as "profiling of Muslim women".
Omwoyo said such acts cause ridicule and victimization of journalists while in the line of duty.
The council further noted that the CS has a penchant for attacking journalists, a trend they said should cease.
Omwoyo said the minister has violated the constitutional rights of the media, especially in Articles, 34 and 35.
"In December 21 2021, the CS was recorded on a live TV making personal attack on The Standard Media journalist," Omwoyo noted.
