Kameme FM Slapped with Deadline Over Controversial Content, Warned of Action

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has issued a Notice to Show Cause to Kameme FM over alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya.

In a letter dated Tuesday, June 16, 2026, the Council cited the use of offensive language and the airing of unverified political claims during programmes broadcast between June 8 and June 15, 2026.

“The Media Council of Kenya (the Council) is an independent national institution established under the Media Council Act, 2013. Pursuant to Section 6 of the Act, the Council is vested with the statutory mandate, among others, to set media standards, monitor compliance with those standards, and ensure adherence to them.

“While conducting its media monitoring function, the Council became aware of content aired by Kameme FM between June 8 and June 15, 2026, during the Arahuka Show and Canjamuka Show hosted by Muthoni wa Kirumba and Chef Gathemba,” read part of the letter.

Kameme FM, which is owned by Mediamax Network Ltd, has been given until June 19, 2026, to submit a detailed response explaining the incidents and the editorial safeguards that were in place at the time.

Kameme FM Presenter Accused of Using Offensive Language

One of the incidents highlighted by the Council happened during the Arahuka and Canjamuka programmes.

According to MCK, presenter Muthoni wa Kirumba, popularly known as Baby Top, referred to a former political aspirant as a “dog” during a live broadcast on June 9.

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The Council said the remark was a personal insult and should not have been aired to the public.

MCK also noted that the station did not use a seven-second delay system, which is meant to prevent offensive or inappropriate content from being broadcast.

Concerns Over Political Claims

The Council also raised concerns about several political allegations that were aired during the programmes.

Among the claims was an allegation that women in Ol Kalou were being paid Ksh 2,000 to surrender their national identity cards and fingerprints as part of a political scheme.

MCK said the claims were presented as facts but were not verified before they were aired. The Council added that no evidence or supporting documents were provided to prove the allegations.

The claims reportedly mentioned several political leaders, including Moses Kuria and Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru.

According to the Council, journalists are required to verify information before publishing or broadcasting it, especially when the information could affect the reputation of individuals or influence public opinion.

Complaint Filed by Citizen

The investigation followed a complaint filed by a concerned citizen, Henry Mburu.

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In his complaint, Mburu accused the station of using ethnic narratives that could create divisions among Kenyans.

After reviewing the broadcasts, the Media Council said it did not find enough evidence to conclude that the station had engaged in hate speech or ethnic incitement.

However, the Council found that the broadcasts failed to meet basic journalism standards related to accuracy, fairness, balance, and verification of information.

Claims of Threats and Online Harassment

The Council’s report also looked into claims made by some presenters that they had received threats and that their personal information had been leaked online.

However, MCK noted that many of these claims were made on personal social media accounts rather than through official news reports.

Because of this, the Council said it was difficult to assess some of the allegations under journalism regulations.

Kameme FM has been directed to respond to the Notice to Show Cause within three days.

The Media Council warned that if Kameme FM fails to respond by June 19, 2026, it may proceed with further enforcement action in line with its mandate.

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Media Council of Kenya CEO David Omwoyo. PHOTO/MCK