The sports category has moved to a new website.
ADVERTISEMENT

MCK denounces Raila's newspaper boycott

The Media Council of Kenya says Raila's call to boycott the newspaper undermines the freedom of the press

Raila Odinga reading a newspaper [Photo: Hon Didmus Barasa/Twitter]

The Media Council of Kenya has criticized Azimio leader Raila Odinga's call for Kenyans to boycott products from Radio Africa Group, especially The Star newspaper.

The council's CEO, Mr. David Omwoyo, addressed Raila's utterances as a plot to undermine the freedom of the press.

"The Media Council of Kenya takes with utmost concern utterances by Azimio Leader Raila Odinga calling for the boycott of several products and services, including Radio Africa Group's The Star Newspaper. We note that in his media address today, the former Prime Minister has singled out The Star newspaper as being among corporates that 'have become enablers and facilitators of this brutal regime' and have as such 'become the enemies of the people'.

ADVERTISEMENT

"The Council takes such statements against a media house as part of efforts to manipulate public opinions and limit freedom of the press, which are both fundamental components of a healthy democracy," read the statement.

MCK added that freedom of the press is an essential right that allows journalists to report on events without fear of censorship or repression.

The MCK statement further explained that political leaders calling for the boycott of a national magazine is a way of undermining the freedom of the press.

Such statements might endanger the lives of those working at The Star because supporters of such politicians might attack the workers, according to MCK.

ADVERTISEMENT

MCK concluded by stating that The Star workers could lose their jobs with such utterances, especially at a time when Kenya is struggling economically.

Azimio leader Raila Odinga during one of his functions on March 21 urged Kenyans to boycott several products in the country from different companies including Safaricom, Kenya Commercial Bank, and Radio Africa media, particularly The Star newspaper.

“We call for the boycott of Safaricom, Kenya Commercial Bank, and Radio Africa media, particularly The Star newspaper, who have become enablers and facilitators of this brutal regime,” Mr Odinga said.

ADVERTISEMENT

Mr Odinga added that the named corporates had become the enemies of the people by stating that they were benefitting from the blood and tears of Kenyans.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: news@pulselive.co.ke

Recommended articles

Apostle charged over swindling ACK church Sh2 million

Apostle charged over swindling ACK church Sh2 million

Top TV, radio stations & digital news sites among Millennials & Gen Zs

Top TV, radio stations & digital news sites among Millennials & Gen Zs

DP Gachagua opens up on past struggle with alcohol, calls for radical crackdown

DP Gachagua opens up on past struggle with alcohol, calls for radical crackdown

How Ruto's ambitious Sh1.3 trillion plan can avoid the curse of gov't projects

How Ruto's ambitious Sh1.3 trillion plan can avoid the curse of gov't projects

Details of Russian Foreign Minister's trip to Kenya [Photos]

Details of Russian Foreign Minister's trip to Kenya [Photos]

MPs to consider the scraping of 2 corruption offences

MPs to consider the scraping of 2 corruption offences

Gachagua addresses Maina Njenga amid fears of Mungiki resurgence

Gachagua addresses Maina Njenga amid fears of Mungiki resurgence

Those with pay slips are lying to those without pay slips on housing fund - Ruto

Those with pay slips are lying to those without pay slips on housing fund - Ruto

Senator Khalwale silenced by crowd as he defends Ruto's proposal [Video]

Senator Khalwale silenced by crowd as he defends Ruto's proposal [Video]

Pulse Sports

Thika Sports Club, next stop for NCBA golf series

Thika Sports Club, next stop for NCBA golf series

Big Ted's inspiring message to Kenya's rugby community

Big Ted's inspiring message to Kenya's rugby community

Fitness influencer Shiv Simani joins fight against sports neglect by gov't

Fitness influencer Shiv Simani joins fight against sports neglect by gov't

Kipchoge wins Sh7.4M prize in Spain

Kipchoge wins Sh7.4M prize in Spain

Ombachi shares how career-threatening injury pushed him into content creation

Ombachi shares how career-threatening injury pushed him into content creation

Ruto donates millions after AFC Leopards beats Gor Mahia for 1st time in 7 Years

Ruto donates millions after AFC Leopards beats Gor Mahia for 1st time in 7 Years

Ulinzi Stars midfielder returns from four-month injury layoff

Ulinzi Stars midfielder returns from four-month injury layoff

Kenya's thriving sports culture: A deep dive into the country's passion for sports betting

Kenya's thriving sports culture: A deep dive into the country's passion for sports betting

The 8 largest events in Las Vegas 2023

The 8 largest events in Las Vegas 2023

ADVERTISEMENT