MCK condemns journalists fight in Siaya that left one injured

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has condemned a fighting incident involving three journalists at an event in Siaya County on Sunday which left one of them injured.

MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo through a statement on Tuesday said the brawl, which was among journalists from The Star newspaper, K24 television and Royal Media Services, jeopardizes their professional credibility.

“The Council unequivocally condemns all forms of violence, including those perpetrated by members of the press against their own or on members of the public. Journalists resorting to physical fights and engaging in slander not only jeopardizes their professional credibility but also undermines the principles of responsible journalism,” he said.

The Council further warned media houses against publishing one-sided stories regarding the matter, after The Star published an article regarding the incident.

“The Council is ready to offer its support and assistance to the journalists involved in this incident. We encourage them to seek mediation or other forms of conflict resolution to address the underlying issues and prevent future violence. Further, we urge media houses to stop publishing one-sided stories written by the respective employees as this causes more confusion and veils facts during a conflict,” said Omwoyo.

MCK said it has investigated the matter and recommended disciplinary action to those involved.

“The Council has already investigated the incident and urges the relevant media organizations to equally undertake a comprehensive investigation and take appropriate disciplinary action against those invoked. Any accredited journalists engaged in such altercations risk losing their registration with the Council,” noted the MCK chair.

“Journalists have a responsibility to conduct themselves with integrity and decorum, even in the face of aggression.”