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The Media Council of Kenya has joined National Council of Muslims in condemning and demanding sacking of Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha over profiling journalists covering education matters
In a letter issued on Wednesday 27th, July by MCK, it demanded National Cohesion and Integration Commission to look into the matter immediately, terming Magoha’s remarks inflammatory to journalists Magoha on Monday, 25th July, during an education event, joked with a NTV’s female journalist wearing an hijab, as one of the representatives or sympathisers of an insurgents Al-Shabaab, something which didn’t sink well with other professionals
According to MCK, Magoha should apologise to the journalist for uttering such reckless and derogatory remarks as well being forced by relevant institutions to retract the statement as soon as possible
“The Media Council of Kenya calls on the National Integration and Cohesion Commission (NCIC) to ensure the Cabinet Secretary issues an unconditional apology, withdraws the unfortunate remarks, and rescinds his directives against the smooth operation of media,” reads an excerpt of the statement.
Magoha has in the past been in loggerheads with the members of the `Forth Estate’ following his conspiracy to block journalists from accessing schools while covering news related to education He had earlier on 21st December 2021, issued a directives requiring all reporters to seek permission from the Ministry of Education when they want to provide coverage on any education matters prompting the council who wrote a letter, protesting his move
“The council is disturbed that such comments, actions, and directives by a senior government official can expose members of the Fourth Estate to unnecessary harassment, ridicule, and victimisation in the line of duty.” It added.
This follows another complaint from the journalist’s professional body, on last year to Florence Kajuju led Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ) that was seeking Magoha to be probed of unwarranted utterances and demeaning the character and profession of Journalism in Kenya
“Such directives are a violation of journalists’ privileges and rights as provided for by the international treaties and conventions as well as the Constitution of Kenya,”. It ended.