NAIROBI, Kenya — The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has cautioned politicians against using media houses as places of refuge to evade law enforcement, following the recent incident involving Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia.
In a statement issued on Thursday, MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo said media institutions must remain independent spaces dedicated to journalism and public discourse rather than becoming sanctuaries for individuals seeking to avoid legal processes.
“Following recent events where a politician sought refuge inside a media establishment to avoid legal processes, the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) reemphasises that media houses are independent platforms for public discourse, not sanctuaries from the rule of law,” the statement said.
The Council noted that with the country preparing for the 2027 General Election, it was important to reaffirm principles that safeguard both democracy and the independence of the media.
“As we gear up towards the 2027 General Election, the Council underscores the following critical positions to help promote and protect democracy while shielding media houses from becoming the playground of external disputes,” the statement added.
MCK emphasised that media organisations must remain safe, neutral and professional environments devoted exclusively to journalism, warning that newsrooms should never be treated as asylum centres where politicians or other public figures seek protection from lawful processes.
The Council further advised politicians and other guests appearing in media interviews or programmes to leave media premises immediately after concluding their engagements.
According to MCK, turning media houses into tactical hideouts places unnecessary operational pressure on journalists and media organisations while creating the false perception that the press is involved in external political or legal disputes.
The Council maintained that although it remains committed to defending freedom of expression and media freedom, all individuals, including politicians, are required to comply with lawful processes outside media premises.
“The Media Council of Kenya urges all political actors to respect the physical and professional boundaries of media institutions to safeguard press freedom and editorial independence,” the statement said.
The advisory follows an incident involving Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia, who sought refuge inside a media establishment as law enforcement officers sought to arrest him, prompting renewed debate over the role of media institutions during politically charged incidents.
MCK reiterated that preserving the neutrality and independence of the media is essential to ensuring public confidence in journalism, particularly as the country heads into the 2027 election period.
