Ruto rules out bid to gag the Press

 

President Uhuru Kenyatta shares a word with his deputy William Ruto at a past function. Photo/FILE  NATION

By Nation Reporter
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Deputy President William Ruto Sunday said the government will not gag the media and has no intentions to intimidate it.

Speaking at Jesus Winner Ministries Church in Roysambu, Nairobi, where he had attended a thanksgiving service, Mr Ruto praised the media, saying it plays a crucial role in the development of society, and thus needs no intimidation.

“We know the role that media plays in any society and it should not be intimidated by anybody. The government does not intend to gag the media,” he said.

He, however, called on the media to be responsible in its duty to inform, educate and entertain the public.

“The media has the authority to determine what the public watches, listen to or read, and that comes with a responsibility,” he added.

He criticised MPs for passing the controversial Kenya Information and Communications Amendment Bill, which introduces measures to gag the media.

The Deputy President — who arrived in the country yesterday morning from The Hague, where he was attending trials — was accompanied by governors Evans Kidero (Nairobi) and William Kabogo (Kiambu).

Others were senators Charles Keter (Kericho), and Wilfred Lesan (Bomet), Roysambu MP Njoroge Ndirangu and Murang’a County women’s representative Sabina Chege.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has since welcomed debate on the proposed media law, saying that he will ensure it conforms to the Constitution.

Mr Kabogo expressed support for a free press, although he accused the media of misreporting facts at times.