Spotlighton Media Council as they backing Faith Odhiambo's seat in Ruto's advisory panel

Kenya's Media Council Defends LSK President Amidst Criticism

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has come under fire for its recent statement, which many Kenyans perceive as a defence of Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo. The MCK's statement did not explicitly name a specific media outlet, but it is believed that the council's ire was sparked by The Standard Sunday's front-page headline, "Losing Faith," which questioned why LSK President Faith Odhiambo accepted President William Ruto's nomination to a government-appointed panel.

Tom Lutali, a user on social media, urged the MCK to respect the watchdog role of the media, stating that undermining the press widens the gap between leadership and the people. Collins Dudi, another Facebook user, summed up the sentiment, saying, "Instead of beating around the bush, just call out The Standard Editor directly."

Many Kenyans have accused the MCK of shielding Odhiambo and undermining press freedom. Calmaury wondered why MCK chose to single out the media when countless Kenyans and even members of the LSK have raised concerns. Kitui Lusweti accused MCK of "acting like a state agency."

The MCK's stance on freedom of criticism remains a point of contention among many Kenyans. Jivah Sitawa expressed concern about MCK's stance, stating that no one is immune to criticism, not even the LSK President. Renson Waliaula Mauka questioned why MCK is silent when journalists are attacked by the government. The backlash was equally fierce on various platforms, with users questioning MCK's stance on freedom and criticism.

The MCK, in its statement, accused sections of the media of "unprofessional conduct" and hypocrisy for criticizing Odhiambo's appointment to a government-appointed panel. The council stated that condemning Odhiambo before she has begun her work is premature, cynical, counterproductive, and borders on sadism. However, the MCK's statement did not address the concerns raised by many Kenyans about its stance on freedom of criticism and its apparent silence when journalists are attacked by the government.

The Standard, in response, reiterated its commitment to holding leaders accountable and being the voice of the people, regardless of any potential backlash. The newspaper will continue to scrutinize the actions of public figures and institutions, ensuring that the people of Kenya are well-informed and their voices are heard.

For those interested in the exact wording or content of the original statement or additional background information on Faith Odhiambo or the LSK, further research is recommended. If you require assistance, feel free to ask!