‘You’ll be irrelevant soon,’ Kenya Kwanza leaders tell the media

Kenya Kwanza politicians intensified their attacks on mainstream media, warning it risks being irrelevant if it does not stop antagonising the government.

Led by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungw’ah, the more than 30 legislators accused media houses of bias and distorting facts regarding government agenda, especially the recently passed Finance Bill, 2023.

“You will be made irrelevant in the coming days if you continue lying to Kenyans. Stick to truth, objectivity and we will respect your rights and freedoms,” said Ichungwah.

In his statement, Ichung’wah claimed the media was not initially opposed to the Bill until revelations about betting tax increment were made.

In the Bill that MPs have already passed, the government increased tax on betting and gaming stakes from 7.5 per cent to 12.5 per cent from July 1.

The Kikuyu MP, who was among other lawmakers who attended a thanksgiving Sunday service for EALA MP Maina Karobia at the ACK Cathedral in Thika, Kiambu sustained that media owners are also owners of betting companies and as such, their fury was precipitated by the hiked betting taxes.

Ichungwa divulged that digital content creators had their levies reduced to compete with the mainstream media and as such, the mainstream media should be worried about their future.

Similar sentiments were expressed by CAS in the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy Dennis Itumbi, Isaac Mwaura and Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wah who asked media to responsibly endeavour in relaying factual information to the public.
Our competitors
“You people are fighting with change…. you have been lying to Kenyans. It’s true that as we said, the Finance Bill was vilified with lies and propaganda by those misinforming Kenyans and who are our competitors,” charged Ichungwah.
He also claimed the media was part of the Opposition’s campaign of disinformation and selling propaganda.
“Your right to inform, comes a heavy responsibility to tell Kenyans the truth. Your opposition to the Finance Bill was pegged on increased funding on betting advertisements. Tell Kenyans the truth, you opposed the Finance Bill because of the increase in advertising levies on betting charges,” Ichungwah added.
The politicians also took issue with the Opposition for plotting to resume mass protests, claiming that the latter’s intention was to hoodwink Kenyans as they agitate for a handshake through the back door means.

Other leaders present were area MP Alice Ng’ang’a, Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu), John Kiarie (Dagorreti), Kimani Kuria (Molo), George Koimburi (Juja), Ann Wamuratha (Kiambu), Edward Muriu (Gatanga), Kanini Kega (EALA), CASs Isaac Mwaura, Simon Gikuru, UDA secretary General Cleophas Malala among others.