Kindiki urges balanced criticism from media, pledges to protect journalists
The Deputy President also assured the media that the government would respect judicial decisions.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called on the media to engage in constructive criticism of the government, stressing that alternative viewpoints are essential in a democracy.
He specifically referenced the shooting by police of Kameme TV journalist Catherine Wanjeri during anti-government protests in Nakuru.
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"We have had a leadership transition, and we have a new IPOA team coming in. I will be following up on where we are, and I want to undertake that we will ensure justice is served," Kindiki said.
He reiterated the government's respect for media freedom, calling for better collaboration between the media and the government to ensure a free and fair press.
"We endeavour to protect it; our Constitution guarantees this freedom, but you expect in any society, occasionally, there will be infractions. The problem is when we do not address those infractions as required," Kindiki said.
The Deputy President also assured the media that the government would respect judicial decisions, referencing a recent High Court ruling that curtailed the powers of the Communications Authority of Kenya.
"We will respect what the courts have said on the relationship between the Communications Authority and Media Council of Kenya," he said.
