Draconian Law On The Way To Gag Journalists

The Kenyan media is yet again a target of the national assembly after a draconian law went successfully through some stages as it aims to gag journalists and prevent them from releasing information regarding the conduct of the national assembly.

The bill was drafted by Eldas MP Aden Keynan.

Despite the criticism the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Bill has attracted, MP’s voted to conclude debate and propel the proposed law to the last stages of law making, reports Standard.

The bill seeks to introduce a crime of defamation of Parliament and criminalize the publishing of what the speaker and/or chairmen of committees would deem false or scandalous libel on Parliament.

The fine is 500K or a two-year jail term or both for journalists found guilty.