The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has condemned what it describes as unwarranted and unjustified media attacks on Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo for accepting her appointment to the Presidential Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Protests and Riots.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Council expressed concern over media outlets that have chosen to vilify Ms. Odhiambo and other Kenyans who agreed to serve on the panel. MCK stated that it is perplexing and hypocritical for the media to discourage the LSK President from taking up a role aimed at addressing grievances the media has long raised.
“By insisting the LSK President reject the appointment, these outlets are limiting the LSK to pure criticism, ignoring its vital potential to improve governance from within,” the Council noted.
The statement pointed out that LSK members already hold senior roles in public institutions such as the Judiciary, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Media Complaints Commission.
“To demand that Faith Odhiambo reject her appointment is an illogical demand tantamount to calling for all LSK members in public service to resign and focus solely on criticizing the government. Such a stance is neither logical nor constructive; it undermines the very fabric of collaborative progress,” the Council stated.
While affirming the media’s right to critique government actions, MCK cautioned against prejudging Ms. Odhiambo before she begins her work.
“Condemning her for an anticipated failure is premature, cynical, and counterproductive. When the media succumbs to mob justice, it erodes its independence and objectivity, betraying the very principles it claims to defend,” the David Omwoyo-led body stated.
The Council called on the media to exercise fairness, restraint, and objectivity in covering the matter, urging Kenyans to support initiatives that promote justice, accountability, and national healing.
