The media council of kenya has responded to deputy president RigathiGachagua's remarks about the media.

MCK CEO David Omwoyo warned political leaders not to criticize the media in public meetings, saying it exposes its members to physical attacks and erodes trust in the organization's role as society's watchdog.

PHOTO | COURTESY David Omwoyo

This comes after the deputy president accused the media of fabricating stories about politics in Mount Kenya, an apparent reference to purported regional superiority politics in Murang'a County, where Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro recently held prominent political events.

"The Media Council of Kenya is concerned with public utterances by key government officials against the media at public meetings. Such statements put journalists at risk as they may be attacked by members of the public," stated Omwoyo.

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"These attacks undermine the freedom of the press and are attempts to undermine the role of the press in holding the government accountable, which is a foundation of democratic societies."

Omwoyo added: "When leaders attack journalists, it can erode public trust in the media by creating an atmosphere of distrust and suspicion towards the press. This can lead to questions on the accuracy and objectivity of news reporting, which is essential for maintaining an informed citizenry."

While describing the move as "intimidating to journalists," Omwoyo stated that some attitudes toward the media by State officials were a ploy to divert public attention away from critical issues affecting them.

"The Council is urging leaders to stop intimidating journalists and discouraging them from reporting on important stories, which undermines the ability of the press to fulfil its role in society. Attacking journalists, we believe, is a distraction from important issues that require attention and action," he wrote.

"The Council takes such acts as attempts to silence or intimidate the media from undertaking its rightful duty. This, on the 'flipside, can damage the legitimacy of the government and erode public trust in its ability to govern fairly and effectively." he added.