Maravi

Kibaki backs down on repressive media law

Kibaki backs down on repressive media law
Written by Constance Matongo
Friday, January 09, 2009 5:20:04 AM

KENYAN President Mwai Kibaki has backed down on the repressive media law a few days after he signed the Bill.

And Press Association of Zambia (PAZA) vice-president Amos Chanda has welcomed Kibaki's decision to back down on the recently signed law, raising hopes of possible amendment to the piece of legislation.

According to AllAfrica.com, President Kibaki had directed the country's chief legal advisor and the minister for communications to study amendments proposed by the media fraternity to the Kenyan Communications (Amendment) Act 2008 and the Kenya Communications Act 2008.

President Kibaki also directed Attorney General Amos Wako and information minister Samuel Poghisio to present appropriate recommendations on the proposed amendments to Cabinet.

The new legislation provides for heavy fines and prison sentences for press offences. It also gives the government, above all the information and interior ministries, authority over the issuing of broadcast licences and the production and content of news programmes.

According to the website, President Kibaki stated that he had noted the concerns by the media regarding the two Acts and asked the Attorney General and the communications minister to study the proposed amendments and consult with the media representatives.

President Kibaki's move comes in the wake of intense public pressure on him to protect the constitutional right to freedom of expression and the press.

And Chanda said the media in Zambia hoped that President Kibaki's decision to send back the law was for the right reasons.

“The fact that the President [Kibaki] has responded to pressure in a positive way is a positive step, As PAZA we welcome it and we hope it has been sent back for the right reasons,” said Chanda.

Yesterday, three Zambian media bodies petitioned the Kenyan government through its High Commission in Zambia.

PAZA, the Press Freedom Committee (PFC) of The Post and MISA Zambia condemned the decision by President Kibaki to assent to the bill in spite of heightened protests and appeals not to go ahead.

Labels: AMOS CHANDA, FREEDOM OF SPEECH, MWAI KIBAKI, PAZ

posted by MrK @ 5:21 AM