Journalists refuse to cover MPs over ejection

Drama on Tuesday unfolded at Parliament Buildings after journalists declined to cover a press conference called by Leader of Majority Aden Duale at the National Assembly’s media centre.

More than 30 journalists who had assembled in Parliament refused to cover the conference in protest at the ejection of reporters from the Media Centre by the National Assembly administration two months ago.

Later, another group of 11 Maa MPs led by Kajiado West MP Moses ole Sakuda also assembled at the same Media Centre and asked journalists to cover them.

But the journalists asked Mr Sakuda and his colleagues to address them from outside Parliament Buildings, citing the same reasons.

In the first case, Mr Duale and 15 Jubilee MPs had taken their seats at the centre, waiting for journalists to set their equipment but were shocked after the reporters refused to enter the venue.

Mr Duale and Othaya MP Mary Wambui left the centre to plead with journalists to cover the event but the newsmen ignored the pleas.

“We request that you come and cover us. We have assembled here and I am the one who called you, so please come in and cover us,” said Mr Duale.

But journalists insisted that they could only cover Mr Duale and his colleagues from outside the National Assembly precincts in compliance with an order by the Speaker, Mr Justin Muturi.

At the same time, Suba MP John Mbadi requested the Speaker to reopen the Media Centre to journalists covering the House and its proceedings.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Mr Mbadi said MPs were feeling the effect of closing the centre.

But he was dismissed by Mr Muturi, who said the centre was only meant to be a temporary room for the reporters.