Media Council suspends journalists for ‘fighting over handouts’
The Media Council of Kenya on January 25, 2024, suspended the registration of three Siaya-based journalists following a public brawl they were involved in during an event held in Gem by MP Elisha Odhiambo.
The brawl, which happened on January 20, 2024, saw The Star’s Josiah Odanga, Ramogi’s George Amolo, and K24’s Mary Goretty Juma fight it out allegedly over Mr Odanga’s presence at the event where MP Odhiambo was distributing bursary checks.
The Media Council of Kenya proceeded to investigate the matter after the attack was reported to law enforcement, and following a meeting, the three were jointly suspended.
It has now emerged that the three were fighting over handouts despite earlier claims of marking territory over counties’ news coverage.
“Considering your admission of engaging in unprofessional conduct, such as demanding and fighting for handouts, the Council hereby suspends your accreditation until further notice,” said MCK CEO David Omwoyo.
The journalists’ bosses were also informed of the suspension as Mr Omwoyo added that they had been given a fair hearing and the administrative action taken was necessary to restore sanity and discipline in the media industry.
“The Council views the journalist’s actions as a violation of the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalist in Kenya, specifically Articles 4 and 5 on Integrity and Accountability respectively, which requires journalists to desist from soliciting or accepting gifts, favors or compensation from those who might seek to influence coverage and actively encourage adherence to these standards by all journalists and media practitioners,” read the press release from MCK.
Earlier, the Star’s Mr Odanga was quoted saying he was attacked by the other two journalists in which Ms Juma hit him on the head with a tripod. Allegedly, they did not want him covering Siaya County news because he is from another county, Homa Bay. He also added the attackers were infamous for being hostile towards journalists from outside Siaya county, and tended to insult them.
The brawl caused ripples in the media industry following the territorial news coverage claims, with the Kenya Union of Journalists Secretary General Eric Owuor condemning the incident and calling for justice for Mr Odanga.
Before the suspension, MCK has condemned the fight and all forms of violence by and against journalists.
“The Council unequivocally condemns all forms of violence, including those perpetrated by members of the press against their own or on members of the public. Journalists resorting to physical fights and engaging in slander not only jeopardizes their professional credibility but also undermines the principles of responsible journalism,” said Mr Omwoyo.
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