MCK Speaks after Odinga asked supporters to boycott The Star Newspaper.

The Kenyan Media Council condemned Azimio’s boss Raila Odinga for calling for a boycott of services, including The Star newspaper of the Radio Africa Group.

On Tuesday, Raila urged his supporters at the Jaramogi Oginga Foundation to boycott Safaricom, Kenya Commercial Bank and Radio African groups especially The Star Kenya.

MCK’s CEO David Omwoyo in a press conference warned that the leader’s sentiment against RAG may put its journalists at risk of attack by Pro-Azimio Kenyans.

MCK boss decries that given the current economic hardships being faced by the media, boycotting a national newspaper could have serious economic consequences for the newspaper and its employees, potentially leading to job losses and financial instability.

Omwoyo said the comments were an attempt to manipulate public opinion and limit freedom of speech.

“Freedom of the press is an essential right that allows journalists to report on events, issues and people without fear of censorship or repression,” His statement reads 

MCK has urged any political parties, leader or member of the public angared by the media to report any complaints to the Media Complaints Commission which is legally mandated to mediate on the same.

“These are fundamental components of a healthy democracy, which is among the issues the opposition chief is fighting for.”

MCK was keen to noted that such calla by political leaders is an avenue to undermine the freedom of the press and to control the narrative in their favour.