The Kenya Union of Journalists has denounced Raila Odinga's decision to urge his supporters to boycott products made by Radio Africa Group, particularly the Star newspaper.
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The former prime minister recently urged fans of Azimio to avoid Safaricom, Kenya Commercial Bank, and The Star.
According to a statement from KUJ on Tuesday, the call will compromise the media's independence.
The statement read, "The boycott call and derogatory comments not only threaten the media's freedom, but they also put the lives of journalists working for the Star publications at risk as overzealous Azimio supporters across the country may soon attack them".
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"Raila, you are mistaken on this point. The statements made by Raila Odinga advocating for a boycott of products from the Radio Africa Group, particularly the Star newspaper, have upset KUJ beyond belief."
KUJ argued that it is sad that such statements came from a leader who recognizes the value of a free and independent press in fostering good governance and transparency in the public process, two things for which he actively campaigns.
The union urged the Azimio and Raila fraternities to uphold press freedom.
If the activities of journalists contravene the KenyanThe Journalism Practice Code of Conduct, the union encourages the coalition to utilize the proper channels to register complaints.
The statement stated, "Raila as a leader must avoid making statements that will set up men and women working under very challenging environments to check the government and all leaders holding various positions in the country for the common welfare of the Kenyan society".
The mission of KUJ, a nationally recognized trade union, is to defend the rights and welfare of media professionals.
As part of the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya needs, the Azimiom chief leader Raila Odinga asked his followers to boycott Safaricom, Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) and The Star Newspaper.
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