Nominated Senator Martha Wangari has echoed President Uhuru Kenyatta on the need to safeguard press freedom.
Wangari who spoke on Tuesday during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Gitare area, Gilgil constituency said press freedom was a gateway to better leadership, economic growth and keeping leaders accountable.
She also accused the opposition of sponsoring retrogressive motions and bills in the Parliament to portray the government in bad light citing the recent Powers and Privileges Bill tabled by Eldas MP Adan Keynan.
“Keynan is the ODM vice chair and has been behind the retrogressive and unconstitutional bill to gag and intimidate the press and the public in raising queries on leadership integrity,” Wangari said.
She also recalled the bill that was tabled by Kimilili MP Chris Wamalwa which was rejected by the President aiming to send packing the entire Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.
“Cord leadership cannot deny being behind the crafting of retrogressive bills and later deny when they backfire. They need to be responsible and accountable for their action,” Wangari added.
The Senator said media freedom is guaranteed in the constitution and cannot be taken away unless through an amendment.
“As the Senate, we cannot allow such a primitive legislation go through because it is taking us behind. The President has done the best thing to oppose it,” Wangari said.