The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has raised concerns over the escalating tension between the media and the government, which has culminated in a series of accusations and counter-accusations, particularly concerning the coverage of ongoing public demonstrations. This strained relationship, which initially stemmed from perceptions of biased media coverage during the 2022 General Election, has now developed into a full-blown confrontation.
In a statement released on Monday, the MCK highlighted the growing discord, noting, “The ongoing accusations bring to the fore a simmering tension between the Government and the media, leading to confusion across the country. What started as a perception about biased media coverage of the 2022 General Election has now escalated into a full-blown conflict, resulting in unwarranted threats, blame games, coercion, intimidation, and bad blood.”
The council pointed out the irony of the government’s inconsistent messaging and lack of coherent narratives despite significant investments in communications and media advisors, including editors, journalists, and communication consultants. This inconsistency has contributed to the strained relationship, exacerbating the conflict.
Furthermore, the MCK underscored the paradoxical situation where the political class, previously divided during elections, now finds reasons to collaborate, while the media and government continue to view each other as adversaries. The council emphasized the shared public interest and the intertwined commercial and editorial relationship between the two entities.
“Both the Government and the media have a common public interest, including a commercial and editorial relationship. Using commercial interests to retaliate against editorial positions, and vice versa, is detrimental to the national interest,” the MCK stated. The council urged both parties to focus on their national responsibilities as outlined in the Kenyan Constitution, warning against the misuse of commercial and editorial interests for revenge.
The MCK also highlighted the constitutional guarantee of a free, fair, and independent media focused on the public interest, while noting that mutual affection between the media and the government is not a requirement. The council criticized certain senior government officials for using their right to free expression to make accusations and threats against the media, arguing that such an approach is counterproductive.
“While a section of senior government officials has exercised the right to freedom of expression through leveling accusations against certain media houses, open expletives, and threats against the media and selected journalists, such an approach is not the way to go,” the council added.
The council also addressed the perceived media bias in guest selection for broadcast programs and the framing of national conversations. On the other hand, the media has cited a lack of credible government voices and consistent messaging as contributing factors to the strained relationship.
The MCK acknowledged that the deteriorating government-media relationship has created a dilemma for Kenyans, who find themselves torn between a government that views the media as irresponsible and a media that portrays the government as out of touch and hostile. “Kenyans are caught between a ‘good’ Government that believes the media is bad and irresponsible on one side, and a good media whose actions portray the Government as bad and out of touch that hates the media,” the MCK observed.
In conclusion, the MCK stressed the importance of finding common ground and prioritizing national unity. The council recommended that the government instruct the police to stop harassing journalists and depersonalize media-government relations, while the media should commit to professional reporting that does not escalate violence. This, according to the MCK, is essential for breaking the deadlock and fostering a healthier relationship between the media and the government.
