The Media Owners Association of Kenya has called out Azimio leader Raila Odinga over his appeal to boycott Radio Africa Group's the Star newspaper.
In a statement on Wednesday, MOA chairman Stephen Gitagama said Azimio failed to follow the law in addressing their grievances.
"This background is necessary following the unfortunate decision by the Azimio One Kenya Coalition to announce to the public to boycott Radio Africa products," Gitagama said.
"The Media Owners Association believes this is an attack on press freedom since not a single complaint has been lodged with the company or Media Owners Association."
He said that media in Kenya like elsewhere in the world occupies an important place in society as a vanguard for democracy.
"Since the struggle for pluralism, the Kenyan media has been at the forefront for spearheading change, providing an important platform for public engagement and ensuring that those in office uphold their oaths of office and implement the wishes of the electorate," he said.
MOA urged Kenyans, Azimio, aggrieved by media reports to file complaints with the Media Council of Kenya's Complaint Commission.
This is after Raila asked Azimio supporters to boycott Safaricom, Kenya Commercial Bank and Radio Africa, especially the Star newspaper.
Radio Africa Group CEO Patrick Quarcoo said the call is unfortunate, unjustified and irresponsible.
He said that Raila knows, only too well, the importance of a free and independent press in promoting good governance and transparency in the management of public affairs, which he is fighting for.
