Kenya’s draconian bill sparks public condemnation

Journalists demonstrate against a draconian bill shielding Parliament from media scrutiny in Nairobi, Thursday. [PHOTO: DENISH OCHIENG’/STANDARD]

NAIROBI: Outraged Kenyans Thursday criticised members of the National Assembly following the latest attack on democracy and freedom of the media that exposed the lawmakers' penchant for selfish pursuits.

Past actions show legislators who never shy away from any opportunity to raid public coffers. For example, they recently approved a proposal to have taxpayers pay for their psychiatric and counselling sessions in retirement in addition to tax-free monthly stipends for life.

MPs have also made it easier to dodge sessions in the House without any fear of losing their seats. They have also made amendments to electoral laws to protect party-hopping and allow re-opening of party lists after the elections.

The clamour to silence critics especially the media and activists point to the open hostility to transparency and accountability.

They recently approved draconian provisions under the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Bill 2014, that outlaw and punish any negative reporting against Parliament. Such reporting attracts a fine of Sh500,000 or a two-year jail term. Alongside their rejection of a proposal to establish an independent body to carry out internal corruption probes, the MPs made it clear they were determined to dim the harsh spotlight of public scrutiny.

National Council of Churches in Kenya General Secretary Peter Karanja said reporting of unflattering ways in which MPs have acted informs Kenyans what their representatives do and it is foolhardy to keep battering the messenger instead of improving the message he carries.

“It is our considered opinion that MPs’ refusal to subject themselves to public scrutiny is an abuse of the public office,” said Karanja.

“The provisions are so draconian and altogether unconstitutional that a simple right to information will land journalists and the public in jail if they are deemed to have contravened patently unconstitutional laws,” said a joint statement by Kenya Editors Guild, Kenya Union of Journalists and Kenya Correspondents Association read by Editors Guild Chairperson Linus Kaikai.

Former MP Gitobu Imanyara, who founded the Nairobi Law Monthly in 1987 and was once jailed by authorities, said the freedom of the press is one of the basic rights enshrined in the Constitution.