Mugo Njeru
26 June 2008
Nairobi — The Government has threatened to close down the Kalenjin vernacular radio station, Kass FM, by Friday for broadcasting what it termed inciting and inflammatory material.
The broadcasts, ministry of Information and Communications Permanent Secretary Bitange Ndemo said on Wednesday, threaten national security, national cohesion and the national peace, healing and reconciliation process.
"In view of the foregoing therefore, you are required to show cause, within seventy two hours from the date hereof, why your broadcast licence should not be withdrawn for endangering peace and tranquillity," Mr Ndemo said.
If no written explanation was given, Mr Ndemo warned, the Government will close down the station without further notice to its owners.
In the letter addressed to the executive chairman of Kalee Ltd, the owners of the radio station, the PS reminded him of previous numerous complaints filed by the Government to the Media Council of Kenya concerning the station's broadcasting style and lack of standards, which it had ignored.
"It is noted that on several broadcasts aired by your station during the past few months, and even today, you failed, ignored or neglected to observe journalistic ethics," he said.
Mr Ndemo further said the station had failed to ensure that the programmes do not incite the audiences, cause a breach of the peace, defame or otherwise upset individuals, groups, other corporate bodies or the state.
The PS cited May 31, this year when the station aired a broadcast under the topic "Lawlessness in Kenya." He also cited another broadcast on Monday 16, 2006 on the Kilgoris by-election, in which the station reportedly said: "..The by-election was so full of irregularities that many people were forced to vote for Konchella."
It reportedly went further to incite the Kalenjin against the Maasai.
Said Mr Ndemo: "The consequences of this irresponsible and inflammatory broadcast are likely to inflame passions and cause tensions, including fear and despondency, among large groups of listeners, especially among communities in Rift valley Province.
Dire warnings
"This, coming hot on the heels of the tragic post-election violence, does not augur well for the peace-building process and only helps to accentuate animosities."
He accused the station of a lackadaisical attitude even in the face of the most dire warnings from the Government and objections from many concerned listeners in the Rift valley and further afield.
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