Why Ezekiel Mutua wants political analysts ‘vetted’ before going on air
Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) CEO Ezekiel Mutua now wants anyone claiming to be a political analysts vetted before going on air.
The KFCB boss has appealed to media houses to blacklist hate mongers and quack masquerading as political analysts who frequent media houses to preach despondency and tribal politics.
“We take this opportunity to ask media houses in the country to ensure that their studio guests and commentators strictly avoid incitement of the public to violence and lock out quacks masquerading as political analysts,” Mutua said in a statement.
INCITEMENT
Mutua also urged members of the public to desist from using social media for hate speech and incitement.
“We will continue working with the NCIC (National Cohesion and Integration Commission) and other relevant bodies to monitor media outlet and online platforms being used to spread hatred and will report them to the relevant security agencies for prosecution in line with the law,” he said.
Mutua reiterated his position in a related Facebook post saying KFCB is working with the Media Council of Kenya to develop and enforce guidelines for political commentaries.
“Those who appear on TV to comment on political matters must be vetted. Media houses must ensure that their guests are mature and do indeed possess some level of depth in their areas of calling,” he said.
At same time he also caused media houses against live coverage of political rallies.
“Some political pronouncements by politicians are disturbing and have the potential of undermining national peace and security. Real time transmission of political rallies must be avoided as much as possible,” Mutua wrote in his post.