The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has cautioned political leaders against using media houses as places of refuge to evade law enforcement, saying newsrooms must remain neutral spaces dedicated to journalism.
In a statement issued on Thursday, MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo said recent incidents where politicians sought shelter inside media houses risk undermining press freedom and editorial independence.
Omwoyo said, “Media houses are independent platforms for public discourse, not sanctuaries from the rule of law.”
The Council further emphasized that newsrooms are not asylum centres and urged politicians to leave media premises immediately after completing scheduled interviews or engagements.
MCK also warned that turning media institutions into political hideouts places unnecessary pressure on journalists and could create the false impression that media organisations are involved in political or legal disputes.
The statement follows an incident involving Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia, who spent the night at the Royal Media Services headquarters after claiming police intended to arrest him following a television interview. He was later arrested by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
The Council has urged all political actors to respect the independence and professional boundaries of media institutions as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election, saying this is essential to safeguarding press freedom and public confidence in the media.
