Proper interviewing and moderation skills are fundamental in any media platform. It might not be popular with a section of the mainstream media, yet this is well explained in the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya.
This report analyses the content of Mulembe FM on October 13 during a morning show called ‘Political Theatrics’ and TV47 on October 18 in a breakfast show called ‘The Morning Café’.
Mulembe FM presenters Omar Bakuli and Haggai Isanya hosted former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo to discuss politics. Jirongo at one point made serious criminal allegations against Deputy President William Ruto.
“Mwana uyu nukhumuha shisoko, ni hatari shijila numwiri khandi shihuvi (If we give this ‘boy’ the seat, it’s too dangerous since he is a killer and a thief),” he said. The presenters challenged Jirongo for evidence, which he never gave. The clip is found online courtesy of Mulembe FM Facebook at minute 9.05.
The presenters failed to control the show, leaving the guest to utter words that demeaned the Deputy President. This was unethical. Criticism in a political contest is allowed but should not be left to go overboard. Criminal allegations should be substantiated and a right of reply sought.
TV47 presenter Linda Alela hosted three panelists to discuss the state of the nation. They were Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi, former National Assembly Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim and lawyer Ndegwa Njiru. Maalim commented on election rigging:
Alela: “Let’s talk about what you mentioned, Honourable Farah Maalim, even as you expound on that, the fact that your vote was stolen sometimes back. Let’s couple that with utterances of Governor Kimemia, on the argument that it could be a 50-50, with two very strong possible contenders, and then that one with the support of the deep state will sail through, in this case in as much he could be enjoying support of the common mwananchi, what is the guarantee then?”
Maalim: “Now, this is where (repeats) Kenyans need to be told. I hate to see a situation in which a free and fair election is carried out, William Ruto seems to be winner and somebody tries to play the hanky-panky that was played on Baba in 2013 and 2017, then we don’t have a Kenya take it from me. You get my point, we don’t have a Kenya; it’s gone, it is gone to hell, it’s gone to bloody hell and I can assure you that. And we know it. The people who forged the coalition government last time were not the Luo, not the Luhya, not the Somalis, they were the Kalenjin (host affirms). And you think you can steal a Kalenjin vote, in Kenya? Everybody knows, people of my age and above know, (laughs) you can’t. So, the best thing is beat him fair and square (repeats) and that can only be done if there is a serious coalition that comes together.
“But to assume that you are going to use deep state the way it was used in 2007 and 2013 and 2017 and then we will just mess a bit with Kibera where the railway line goes, then throw stones (all laugh) and then we do the same also in Kisumu and other places and you expect those people to do that. We all know our country and know what everybody can do…it’s like assume somebody is going to use force in Mogadishu… the Kalenjin are the same. So, to try and steal, Ndegwa, votes of William Ruto forget it, it’s gone, then we have no country…let us do a clean job this time and save this country…”
Maalim’s comments were reckless and contained threats meant to instigate tensions between communities. The hosts of the show exhibited lack of professionalism by poor moderation skills, nodding approvingly to the guest’s incendiary claims. This was clear violation of the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism and contrary to the NCIC Act of 2008 on accountability, covering ethnic, religious and sectarian conflicts and hate speech.
Media stations should be wary of comments that could propagate tensions and hatred amongst communities, endangering lives, particularly in the electioneering period. Parties that feel dissatisfied with any issue should seek justice in the courts.
Further, media houses should issue disclaimers during talk shows, disassociate themselves from political statements made by politicians and maintain professionalism in moderating the discussions.
Editors and show hosts must take care to stop such content from being aired. The media must take responsibility and always seek the public good.