The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has urged security agencies to accord media space to undertake their rightful duties, saying they play a critical role in society.
MCK CEO Mr David Omwoyo says "the work of journalists is to annoy, but this should not be misconstrued by both media and security teams to bring about conflicts".
Mr Omwoyo added that the media and security forces remain some of the most misjudged, adding that security agencies and media have common roles in society but which most do not understand, sometimes leading to conflicts.
“I urge for collaborations especially at this critical time in our country. It is important that the media works closely with security agencies to enhance safety and protection of journalists”, said Mr Omwoyo at a meeting with the Nairobi County Security teams on elections preparedness. The Nairobi County Security team led by Nairobi Regional Commissioner and Chairman of Regional Security Committee Mr William Thuku and Deputy County Commissioners from Nairobi Sub-Counties and police commanders attended the meeting.
The MCK CEO underpinned the need to establish a better working environment between the media and security agencies, adding that a cordial working relationship with the police service will ensure professional coverage of elections and protection of journalists.
“We have a working relationship with the police service to ensure that moving towards the elections, matters on dignity, integrity and protection of journalists are upheld”, he said.
“I appeal to our security agencies to constantly engage the media via clear communication channels; to address misreporting and to ensure information integrity and peace during elections and beyond”, he said.
Mr Omwoyo added that the Council has been engaging security agencies across the country to enhance the nexus between the media and security agencies.
“The Council has been conducting Media Information Literacy Forums (MILs) and trainings with security agencies across the country to boost working relations between the media and law enforcement and to promote a conducive working environment”, he said.
Nairobi Regional Commissioner and Chairman of Regional Security Committee Mr William Thuku said his team is prepared to provide a conducive environment for the conduct of peaceful elections and urged the media to uphold responsible reporting.
“Kenya respects freedom of the media. I urge media to uphold responsible journalism especially at this time. Nobody is going to harass journalists, provided they conduct themselves professionally. We will protect journalists, just like other Kenyans’’, he said.
He urged the media to avoid sensational reporting around elections, saying Kenya “belongs to all of us and we should jealously guard the peace and freedoms that we enjoy”.
The Regional Commissioner at the same time urged the Media Council to reign in on quack journalists, saying they dent credibility of Kenya’s media industry.