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{
    "id": 1102811,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1102811/?format=api",
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    "speaker_name": "",
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    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Before pronouncing myself on the appropriate recourse in this matter, I wish to inform the Senate that it has come to my attention. I am, therefore, able to take what in legal circles is known as ‘judicial notice’ of the fact that on Wednesday, 15th September, 2021 and on Thursday, 16th September, 2021, The Star Online Digital, Citizen Digital,K24 TV and Kameme TV either pulled down and/or apologized to Sen. Irungu Kang'ata and the Senate for the complaint of recording. These media houses acknowledged that they had aired a manipulated video and went ahead to broadcast the correct version of the proceedings. These are acts of contrition, and I will take them into account as mitigating factors. The apology and retraction by the media houses was the right decision under the circumstances. In my view, the apologies rendered constitute an admission of guilt and make it unnecessary for me to refer this matter to the Committee on Privileges for its consideration and recommendation in the manner contemplated by Rule 7 (1) of the Broadcasting Rules. In this case, the facts are no longer in dispute and a further inquiry and escalation of the matter may not be a productive use of limited parliamentary time, and may not even be in the public interest. That said, it needs to be noted that the conduct of the media houses in breaching the rules on broadcasting was serious and should be treated as such. This conduct is particularly worrying and must be nipped in the bud, coming as it does, at the advent of the electioneering season. At this time, more than any other, the media needs to act with utmost circumspection and caution lest careers are destroyed, institutions are debased and even the whole country is endangered on account of lapses of professional judgment. Taking all the relevant factors into consideration, including the apology and retraction I have referred to earlier, I consider it appropriate that a reprimand be issued to the four media houses for contravention of Rule 5 and 6 of the Broadcasting Rules. Accordingly, the following media houses are reprimanded and cautioned that a repeat of the offending conduct will invite more severe action. They are- (a) The Star Online Digital ; (b) Citizen Digital; (c) K24 TV ; and, (d) Kameme TV. Let me conclude by calling on all media houses and, indeed, all persons including bloggers and other commentators on social media and other public spaces to exercise caution and utmost responsibility in reporting on parliamentary proceedings. The democratic process will not be served by falsely and maliciously reducing the Legislature, which is the apex representative of the sovereignty of the people, into an object of scandal and ridicule. I thank you!"
}