Most journalists feel safer and more comfortable working with Raila Odinga’s Azimio la Umoja Coalition than William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza, a new survey by the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has revealed.
MCK gauged the perception of media and journalists toward the presidential candidates. The survey indicated that 49 per cent feel safer working with Raila while Ruto received 31 per cent backing.
At the same time, 17 per cent of journalists feel comfortable covering Root Party’s George Wajackoya.
"The discomfort by media has been attributed to frequent removal of journalists from Ruto’s functions including during the party's national delegates conference and public gatherings in Njoro, Nakuru County.
"In addition, he has publicly threatened to boycott the upcoming presidential debate organised by the Media Owner’s Association, the Kenya Editors Guild and the Media Council of Kenya," the Council stated.
Ruto's UDA party communications team
The Council further said Ruto's party UDA senior communications team also boycotted a meeting convened by MCK to forge a working relationship with pollsters, editors and political party communications teams in June, opting to send junior staff.
Ruto's presidential campaign is headed by former television journalist Hussein Mohamed.
"Harassing and profiling journalists including denying them access to events is an affront to press
freedom and a violation of Kenyans’ right to information," MCK added.
