Kisumu Journalists demand apology from "Rogue" CEC over derogatory remarks.

The CEC in charge of Tourism and Sports in Kisumu County whom Journalists have demanded an immediate apology over her derogatory remarks she made about the yesterday-Photo Courtesy.

By Dickson Odhiambo.

August 1, 2018.

Kisumu Journalists demand apology from "Rogue" CEC over derogatory remarks.

The Kisumu Journalists fraternity has demanded an immediate apology from a County Executive Member whom issued derogatory remarks against them during a press briefing.

Led by Chairman of Kisumu Journalists Network Dickson Odhiambo and Organizing Secretary Allan Obiero, the Journalists have given Tourism and Sports CEC Achie Alai two weeks to tender her apology in writing.

Addressing the press in Kisumu today, the journalists said it is with uttermost concern that they have been perplexed by derogatory remarks made by madam Alai.

They say her brazen reference to some questions asked by Journalists about the foreign trips made by Governor Anyang' Nyong'o as "Silly" was not only unfounded but also reckless and derogatory.

"We want to categorically state that the statement was reckless, uncalled for and demeaning to Journalists in the country and poses a big threat to freedom and Independence of the Media in Kenya,"they say.

They say Article 34 and 35 of the constitution  of Kenya 2010 is explicit on the freedom and independence of the Media as well as access to information and this is the legal framework they operate under.

The Journalists say they have a right to seek for information which they must verify from the various government institutions including the County Governments which came into being after the 2013 General Elections.

"In regard to this, Kisumu Journalists, through their umbrella body; The Kisumu Journalists Network demand for an immediate unconditional apology over the unfortunate reckless remarks by a public officer who should be clearly guided by Chapter six of the Constitution on Leadership and Integrity, “They add.

They have also demanded for an audience with the Governor of Kisumu Prof Nyong'o when he returns from his overseas trip.

"Journalists are doing their work in line with article 34 and 35 of the constitution coupled with the Code of Conduct for the practice of Journalism in Kenya as specified in the schedule 4 of the Media Council of Kenya Act 2013 hence none should have undue interference while journalists are performing their duties,"

They add that as members of the fourth estate, they have an obligation to ask pertinent questions on various issues of Public interests while playing their watchdog role and they too have cardinal principle of protecting their sources of information while in the line of their duties.

They further say Journalists too needs to be respected and should not be demeaned in any manner.

Ends