Media Council Sends Warning to Politicians Who Use Media Houses to Evade Arrest

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has warned politicians against using media houses as places of refuge to avoid legal processes, saying newsrooms must remain independent spaces dedicated to journalism.

In a press statement issued on Thursday, August 6, 2026, the Council said recent events in which a politician sought refuge inside a media house had raised concerns about the misuse of media institutions.

The Council stressed that media houses are platforms for public discourse and not sanctuaries where individuals can escape the rule of law.

“Media houses are independent platforms for public discourse, not sanctuaries from the rule of law.”

Media Houses Must Remain Neutral

As Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election, the Council said media institutions must remain safe and neutral environments focused solely on journalism.

It warned that allowing politicians to use newsrooms as hiding places could undermine press freedom and compromise the independence of media organisations.

“Media institutions must remain safe, neutral spaces dedicated solely to journalism.”

Media Council Warns Newsrooms Are Not Asylum Centres

The Council made it clear that media houses should never be turned into asylum centres.

It said public figures should leave media premises immediately after completing interviews or official engagements instead of remaining there to avoid law enforcement.

“Newsrooms are not safe houses or asylum centres; public figures must vacate premises immediately after their engagements.”

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Misuse of Newsrooms Harms Journalists

MCK warned that transforming newsrooms into tactical hideouts creates unnecessary operational challenges for media organisations.

The Council added that such actions could wrongly portray journalists as accomplices in political or legal disputes, damaging public trust in the media.

“Transforming newsrooms into tactical hideouts places an undue operational burden on media houses and risks falsely portraying journalists as accomplices to external disputes.”

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Respect the Law

While confirming its commitment to protecting freedom of speech, the Council said politicians must cooperate with law enforcement agencies outside media premises.

It urged all political leaders and their supporters to respect the physical and professional boundaries of media institutions.

“While the Council fiercely defends Freedom of Speech, politicians must answer to law enforcement authorities, and outside media properties.”

The Media Council also urged all political actors to safeguard press freedom and editorial independence by respecting the role of media houses

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