Information and Communication minister Samuel Poghisio took over office
Wednesday with the hint that he would lift the ban on live broadcast
slapped on the media, writes Samuel Kumba in The Nation.
Mr Poghisio said the media should be part and parcel of the peace process and thanked them for the recent gesture of promoting peace while at the same time undertaking their core mandate – reporting.
His views were echoed by outgoing minister Mutahi Kagwe, who said the media played a key role in ensuring that the ministry's projects, including the Fibre Optic Cable took off effectively. "I cannot underestimate the role the media has played in supporting this ministry's projects as well as the staff here. I can only wish the same support for my colleague Poghisio," said Mr Kagwe, who failed to recapture the Mukurwe-ini seat.
Mr Poghisio, who is also the chairman of ODM Kenya, maintained that it was through the media that normalcy could be maintained in Kenya after the post-election crisis – which has claimed about 500 lives and left thousands displaced – is resolved.
Disagreement over the election arises from the perception among ODM and election observers that the tallying of presidential results was twisted in favour of Mr Kibaki. The ECK says result forms from some constituencies were altered and ballots cast in Maragwa, in Central Province, exceeded registered voters.
ODM-K, through its leader, now Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, had always been opposed to the idea of banning live broadcasts in the media, Poghisio said.
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