ODM says Uhuru didn’t listen to cry for press freedom

ODM executive director Magerer Lang’at (right) and  party officials address journalists in Nakuru Friday. [PHOTO: BONIFACE THUKU /STANDARD]

By KARANJA NJOROGE

Kenya: The Orange Democratic Movement has criticised President Uhuru Kenyatta’s proposed amendments to the media Bill, saying his recommendations fell short of addressing concerns raised by the media.

ODM executive director Magerer Lang’at said the President failed to bring amendments that most Kenyans wanted in the controversial Kenya Information and Communication (Amendment Bill) 2013.

He said the party expected the President to listen and take into consideration the views expressed by the public over the draconian legislation.

Magerer said Uhuru’s memorandum on the Bill is an indication he is  insensitive to the feelings of a majority of Kenyans including media practitioners who have been opposed to sections of the proposed law.

He was speaking after the party concluded its two-day retreat in Nakuru yesterday.

He said branch officials have been mandated to prepare delegates in their respective counties for the party’s national convention.

He dismissed claims that a list of people to take various positions in the party has been prepared ahead of the elections.

“As a party we don’t have a list and all the 27 positions will be up for grabs during the elections,” Magerer at the end of the meeting.

He also refuted claims that there is a tug of war between the party old guard and the young turks.

“The so-called differences between youthful leaders and others is just a creation of the media as we are all working together to strengthen the party,” he added.

The meeting was attended by party leader Raila Odinga and branch chairpersons from all the 47 counties.

Magerer said the party is confident of clinching all the seats in the upcoming by-elections in Kisii and the Bungoma.

The party officials hit out at UDF party leader Musalia Mudavadi for his attack on Raila, saying his outburst was unwarranted.

“He is dragging Raila’s name  to build his clout and we want  to assure him that our focus is to win the Bungoma  senatorial  race   and we  are not interested in unnecessary  exchanges,”Magerer  said.

During he meeting the  party reviewed its  performance following the March  4 elections where it lost to the Jubilee  Coalition.

Magerer said that despite  being outnumbered  in Parliament by Jubilee, the  opposition had done its best to check the Government and provide alternative leadership.

“We will not be intimidated by the Jubilee numbers and we will stand firm on what we believe is best  for the country,”Magerer added.