POSTPONMENT OF THE LAUNCH OF OKOA KENYA REFERENDUM DRAFT BILL:After observing the developments on current stalemate between the Jubilee government and three media houses regarding migration of television broadcasting from analogue to digital signal this issue, it is now clear that this issue is unlikely to be resolved by the 18th February when the launch is to be held.
We have therefore had to evaluate whether it is feasible to hold such an event without the participation of the news organizations that carry 90% of the country's television content.We have come to the conclusion that it is not.
There can be no amendment of the Constitution without the people and there can be no people without the media. For that reason, we have come to the unfortunate decision to postpone the launch of the draft bill intended for the 18th of February until such time that the people of Kenya can participate through the media in all the proceeding leading to its promulgation.
The Constitution guarantees the freedom of expression for all Kenyans and defines this freedom to include the "freedom to seek, receive or impart information and ideas."
It is not possible to exercise this freedom under the current circumstances where a large number of the people are locked out from their preferred news agencies.
We add our voice to those calling for the speedy resolution of the issue of digital migration and ask that the government realize that there is a greater issue at stake for all Kenyans. This is a monumental failure by the State however much the Government tries to deflect blame.
The reason people have government is to have an authority that can arbitrate over conflicts and issues affecting citizens. The government is running away from that responsibility. We are not convinced, and media houses are not convinced, that the government is being a sincere and honest arbitrator on the issue of licenses. There are vested interests the government is trying to protect that are at variance with public good.
What we are witnessing is not regulation.
It is harassment and punishing of local businesses because government officials are themselves competing for the same business they are supposed to be regulating the other players on.
We will wait because we respect the right of Kenyans to have information and to participate in the historic process we are embarking on. The media too, in their full strength, regardless of their position on our movement must be part and parcel of the process.
The government wants Kenyans to negotiate their future in the dark. We refuse to be party to that conspiracy.
Portfolio: Sold
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