AFRICA/KENYA - “Let us remain calm and read the text of the law,” the Catholic Church affirms as the controversy over the press law continues

Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) – Following the approval of the new law on the press, the Kenya Communications (Amendment) Bill, 2008, “the atmosphere in the country has been of anxiety and uncertainty,” says a statement sent to Agenzia Fides by Fr. Martin Wanyoike, National Executive Secretary, KEC (Kenyan Bishops) Commission for Social Communications.
The law was passed in Parliament on December 10 and, awaits the signature of President Mwai Kibaki to take effect (see Fides 17/12/2008). In the meantime, the country is enveloped in a controversy that has even led to conflict with the police and the arrest of several people. “During this moment of uncertainty and anxiety, the Kenya Episcopal Conference takes this opportunity to give some reflections that might help all people of good will – the government, the media and the public – to make informed decisions and in the right direction.”
The main concern for the Bishops is that “the Kenyan public finds itself between the media and politicians. Because of different reasons and benefits, both parties– media and politicians – are giving their opinions and some calling upon the president, His Excellency Mwai Kibaki, not to assent to the bill. We have already witnessed and heard of calls for protests and action in order to push the point to the president. We urge the general public to observe sobriety and approach the issue with reason and not by hyping up emotions that would deny us the fuller view of the issues.”
Thus, the statement invites the people of Kenya to “read it in its totality before making a decision. By reading the document, we shall know the actual content, be informed and then seek to understand the bill.” The Bishops especially encourage parents to read the text of the law, in order to inform the youth.
The message points out the fundamental role of the media in the life of democracy in Kenya. “The Kenyan public practically relies and depends entirely on the print and electronic media for their day to day living, updates and information. Through the media, we have come to know of the Waki and Kreigler reports. It is for these educational and informative roles of the media, among other roles, that we strongly support a free, independent and responsible media. Consequently, we call upon the media owners, media houses and media practitioners to uphold professional ethics in the discharge of their duties. We therefore reiterate that Mass media must play a positive, constructive and truthful role in our society by broadcasting and printing the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the Truth.”
The message also invites the Parliament members to follow their own responsibilities: it is surprising that some of the members of Parliament that voted in its favor are now asking the President not to sign it. The Bishops ask the government of national unity to “to take the lead and act resolutely in handling the current debate for the sake of the common good.” (LM) (Agenzia Fides 18/12/2008)