Deputy President William Ruto has weighed in on the controversial media bill recently passed by the National Assembly reiterating that the government has no intention of muzzling the press by assenting to a draconian media bill.
Speaking at the Jesus Winner Ministry church Roysambu, Nairobi where he attended a Sunday service, the Deputy President pointed out that the government had a constitutional responsibility to uphold all freedoms in the country including freedom of the press and will therefore not be party to any action that will emasculate those freedoms.
Acknowledging that the media had the biggest authority on what goes to the public through the print and electronic media, the Deputy President however cautioned the media to exercise responsibility as they were well positioned in shaping people’s opinions.
He said the government and all stakeholders in the media industry will relook at the Kenya Information and Communications Amendment Bill passed by Parliament on Thursday with a view to addressing the concerns raised by the media fraternity.
Said Ruto, “The media should not be intimidated, indeed the best way to support the government is to criticize it where it goes wrong.”
The Deputy President at the same time lauded Kenyans for remaining steadfast and resilient in the wake of challenges that have besieged the country in recent past , noting that despite the terrorist attacks at Westgate mall and the ongoing cases facing him and President Kenyatta at the ICC , Kenyans have remained focused on national ideals.
“Despite out individual differences Am happy that when it comes to national issues, Kenyans come together to overcome any challenges facing the nation, “he added.
Mr Ruto singled out security as an issue of national concern saying the government was relooking at the country’s security policy to have a clear roadmap and direction in dealing with the security challenges in the country.
He at the same time said the national government was ready to work with the county governments in facilitating development activities in the counties adding that in Nairobi for instance both governments were working to ensure that the transport system in the city is streamlined.
The Deputy President said to this effect they were working closely with Nairobi county government to build 28 railway stations, two of which were already ready. “This will address the issue of perennial traffic jams in the city,” he said.
At an impromptu funds drive Mr. Ruto gave a personal donation of shs1 million and another shs1 million from President Uhuru Kenyatta towards the church’s development. The Governor of Nairobi Evans Kidero gave shs100, 000, his Kiambu counterpart William Kabogo shs100, 000 and Kericho senator Charles Keter shs300, 000.-standardmedia
