Parliament Denies Media Restrictions, Allocates Dedicated Space for Journalists

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has refuted claims that the Parliament has blocked media access, stating that journalists have been allocated a dedicated space across the road from the main Parliament Buildings.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Wetang’ula addressed the allegations, saying, “I have been seeing in the media, allegations that any restriction on the media coming to Parliament. Nothing is far from the truth and the testimony is that you are being here before me and that you have come to Parliament to do your work.”

The move comes after a section of Parliamentary journalists claimed they were banned from accessing the main Parliament Buildings, following the damage caused by Gen Z protesters during the recent anti-Finance Bill 2024 demonstrations.

“Following the extensive damage that Parliament suffered, we allocated media that covers Parliament space across the road at the Red Cross building,” Wetang’ula explained.

However, the Speaker assured that the Parliament will continue to facilitate live coverage and provide access to parliamentary materials for the media.

“We will be able to ensure the safety and security of Parliamentarians, our visitors including the media are guaranteed at all times without any inconvenience,” he said.

Wetang’ula also stressed the importance of the media’s role in ensuring transparency and accountability, stating, “We have a duty as Parliament to ensure that whatever we do is open to the scrutiny of Kenyans in whatever parts of the world they are through media circulation and coverage.”

On July 17, Wetang’ula met with media stakeholders, including the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ), and the Kenya Parliamentary Journalists Association (KPJA), to discuss the media’s role in strengthening the partnership with Parliament.

“The Media is an integral stakeholder in facilitating effective delivery of Parliamentary work and in informing the public while ensuring National values on transparency and accountability are achieved,” Wetang’ula said.

Author: Mujuni Henry

JUNIITV

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