ODM to move motion that will clip CA’s powers

The offices of the Communications Authority of Kenya in Nairobi. FILE PHOTO | SALATON NJAU |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• Mbadi says authority is misusing its powers.

By MAURICE KALUOCH
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The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is set to table an amendment to have the powers of the Communications Authority (CA) reduced.

Chairman John Mbadi said it is clear from the ongoing standoff involving key TV stations NTV, QTV, KTN and Citizen TV that CA is misusing the powers bestowed on it.

Speaking at Atela Primary School in Kabondo Kasipul during the burial of nominated MCA Mrs Celestine Owidi, Mr Mbadi said the CA has so far misused the same powers to bar Kenyans from viewing the four popular TV stations.

“There is no way Kenyans can be forced to watch KBC and K24 whose news content and other events do not appeal to them,” he said.

Mr Mbadi’s sentiments were echoed by County Woman MP Gladys Wanga and local MP Silvance Osele.

Mr Osele said the Jubilee Government had shown that it was keen to use all methods, including media blackout, in order to cling to power. The three ODM MPs also renewed their criticism of the IEBC.

They will not allow current commissioners to preside over the 2017 polls.

Mr Osele said they will insist on reforms of the polls agency including doing away with tallying at Bomas of Kenya.

“We want to ensure that all votes cast and counted at polling stations, constituency and county tallying centres be final,” he added.

The Kabondo Kasipul legislater claimed that ODM has in the past two general elections been robbed of victory through tampering of figures at the national tallying centre.

Earlier during the burial that was attended by all the MCAs from Homa Bay, a fight broke out between local youths.

Trouble started after an ODM official from Homa Bay town, Mr Omolo Miywech, hit out at perceived rebel MCAs and MPs.