West Pokot governor John Lonyangapuo has asked leaders in the county not to issue any statement to the media before being vetted by him and top security personnel in the county.
Lonyagapuo said media had painted the county negatively and they were in the process of reclaiming the name of the county.
“Before going to press concerning any issue, inform the senator, me or county commissioner because he is representing the national government. The issue of going to press and airing out nonsense issues about our county I will not condole,” he said.
The sentiments have not been welcomed by other county leaders who are saying that this is another way to gag media.
“The media is a watchdog to the community and a whistleblower. If we keep quiet or silence to the media, residents will not be able to know wrongs done by the county government. This is also going to bar residents from evaluating his scored card,” said one of the county leaders who sought anonymity for fear of being victimization.
The governor said he is forced to answer questions arising from the media and yet he, himself is not aware of what is happening.
“Am seen as a fool in certain situations, when asked questions emanating from media. When I say I am not aware they wonder which county I lead since am not aware of what is happening. Just give me a call before going to press,” said Lonyangapuo.
This comes after the media highlighted two stories in the county that did not go well with the governor.
The first story highlighted the plight of the residents over an absentee deputy governor who doubles up as county executive committee member for health and the other story was on students of Ortum boys were asking teachers to help them in exam cheating.
The principal of the school rejected the request and this forced the students to strike demanding for his transfer.