Bid to bar press from assembly business flops

A member’s Motion seeking to block the media from covering the proceedings of the Kirinyaga County Assembly was yesterday shot down by county assembly members.

Tebere Ward Representative Gadson Muchina said he had moved the Motion after alleged misreporting of the assembly business by a local daily.

Nominated MCA George Kagori told the assembly freedom was enshrined in the Constitution and could not be curtailed.

Kagori also said Article 35 of the Constitution allows media access to information. He further told the assembly that barring the press from the assembly’s premises would be a gross violation of the supreme law.

His sentiments were echoed by Baragwe Ward Representative David Mathenge who told the assembly the mover of the motion should have sought an apology from the offending media house instead of seeking to have reporters barred from attending the assembly’s proceedings.

Heated debate

When the Motion was tabled in the House by Mutira Ward Representative Rahab Karienye on behalf of Muchina, it elicited a heated debate, with the assembly appearing to be divided down the middle.

The temporary Deputy Speaker David Mwai, who is also the Inoe Ward Representative, then put the Motion to a vote and the majority carried the day.

Mathenge clarified that the assembly had no intention to gag the media. He said doing so would not only be draconian, but was also out of touch with the changing times and the Constitution.

“As chair of the Finance Committee in this assembly, which is the most sensitive position, I assure the members of the fourth estate their fundamental rights will continue to be respected and protected as they perform their watchdog roles,” he said.

Only two members of the press attended yesterday’s proceedings in Kerugoya town.