The Media Council of Kenya has denounced Raila Odinga's call for a boycott of services, including The Star newspaper from Radio Africa Group.

PHOTO | COURTESY MCK CEO David Omwoyo

Tuesday at the Jaramogi Oginga Foundation, Raila gave a speech to the nation and urged his followers to boycott The Star Kenya, Safaricom, Kenya Commercial Bank, and Radio Africa Group.

MCK's CEO, David Omwoyo, warned that the leader's attitude against RAG would expose its journalists to attacks from Kenyans who support Azimio.

He continued in a statement, "Moreover, particularly considering the current economic problems being encountered by the media, boycotting a national daily could have serious economic ramifications for the newspaper and its employees, perhaps leading to job losses and financial instability".

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Omwoyo claimed that the statements amount to attempts to stifle journalistic freedom and manipulate public opinion.

"These are essential elements of a strong democracy, and the opposition leader is fighting for them."

PHOTO | COURTESY Odinga called his supporters to boycott KCB, Safaricom and The Star Newspaper

Additionally, MCK pointed out that such a statement by political leaders aims to restrict journalistic freedom and shape the narrative in their favour.

For journalists to report on events, problems, and people without fear of censorship or persecution, freedom of the press is a crucial right, according to the statement.

Any political group, leader, or public member who feels wronged by the media is advised by MCK to file a complaint with the Media Complaints Commission, which is legally required to resolve the matter.

MCK joins the KUJ lawsuit that condemned Raila Odinga's call for his supporters to stop buying anything from the Radio Africa Group, especially the Star newspaper.

In a statement released on Tuesday, KUJ said that the call would jeopardize press freedom.

"The boycott call and disparaging comments not only harm the independence of the media, but they also put the lives of journalists working for the Star publications in danger because fanatical Azimio followers across the nation may soon attack them," the statement stated.