By Dorothy Musyoka
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has deployed monitors across all regions conducting by-elections, including Mbeere North, to safeguard media professionalism and ensure fair, accurate, and ethical coverage during the electoral process.
Speaking in Mbeere North on Thursday, MCK representative Jackson Karanja underscored the crucial role of journalists in promoting transparency and accountability during elections.
He urged media practitioners to strictly observe the Media Code of Conduct, noting that responsible reporting is essential in preserving the credibility of the by-election.
“Journalists must adhere to the highest standards of professionalism throughout this electoral exercise,” he said. “Accurate, balanced, and fair reporting is what ensures the public remains well-informed and confident in the process.”
Karanja appealed to security agencies and election officials to support journalists in carrying out their constitutional mandate.
He emphasized that access to information is a fundamental right that must be upheld during the polls.
“We expect authorities to allow journalists to do their work without interference. Access to information is a right, not a favour,” he said.
He also condemned reports of intimidation and obstruction of journalists in certain polling stations, warning that such actions undermine press freedom and public trust.
“No one should threaten or obstruct media practitioners. Journalists are here to gather information for the public, and that right must be respected,” he added.
Karanja acknowledged that most journalists covering the Mbeere North by-election had maintained high ethical standards.
He applauded their commitment to credible reporting and encouraged them to sustain the same level of integrity until the conclusion of the exercise.
“As a council, we are satisfied with how journalists have conducted themselves today. We encourage them to maintain the same standard until the end of the exercise,” he said.
The MCK’s monitoring mission forms part of its broader mandate to protect media freedom, strengthen ethical journalism, and ensure Kenyans access reliable information during critical national events.
The presence of MCK monitors serves as a reminder of the media’s vital role in safeguarding democracy and the need to protect journalists as they execute their duties.