Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga under fire for alleged assault

A section of Siaya leaders have condemned the alleged assault of journalists by Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga.

Speaking to The Standard yesterday, Rev Kenneth Wachianga of Anglican Church of Kenya Diocese of Maseno West termed the incident where the governor resorted to violence as shameful.

“As a leader, Rasanga should have followed the right channels of communication to show his discontent with the journalists over the alleged misreporting,” said Wachianga.

He said the journalists were only doing their work, which is to speak on behalf of the people. Rasanga ought to have called a press conference to express his displeasure instead of resorting to violence.

“If it is about the warning that Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo issued, then the governor should have called Mr Midiwo instead of assaulting the journalists who were simply reporting the MP’s concerns,” said Wachianga.

LEGAL ACTION

He urged the governor to call the two journalists and apologise, failure to which legal action should be taken against him.

The leaders also condemned the governor’s director of communication Bonny Odinga for not providing advice on media relations, but instead resorted to using social media to deride his colleagues.

But Rasanga dismissed claims that he assaulted a journalist, claiming the journalist worked for the county government.

“Erick Oloo is a county government worker. He should tell the world how he doubles up as a reporter. He is being used by my political enemies to derail my agenda and make me appear as a belligerent man. He will not succeed,” Rasanga said.

HUMAN RIGHTS

Rogers Ochieng, a human rights activist in Siaya, said by assaulting the journalists, the governor has set a precedent and any other person will not see it as a problem to intimidate and assault the scribes operating in the county.

“Resortingt to violence over issues that can be solved through dialogue to me is backward. Intimidating journalists, who are the mouthpiece of the society, is like denying the public information they are entitled too,” said Ochieng.

“It is very sad that journalists continue to be threatened and assaulted while at work and no action is taken against the perpetrators. Journalists, like any other citizen, need protection,” added Ochieng.

East Yimbo Ward Rep Elisha Okuku, while condemning the incident, urged Siaya people to only elect leaders who respect the rights of others.

“We are not going to allow such incidents to happen in this county again. I urge the journalist to take this matter to court so that it can become an example to others,” said Okuku.

Ms Margaret Oketch, who represents the disabled in the county assembly, however, called on Siaya leaders and media practitioners to establish good working relationships.

“Let us have a meeting between Siaya leaders and the media and find possible ways of working as development partners,” urged Oketch.