NASA leader Raila Odinga has made what could be considered a surprising comment about state-owned television station KBC.
Speaking to Zimbabwe radio station Capital 100, Raila pointed out the glaring difference between the media industry in Kenya and Zimbabwe with key emphasis on the diversity of the two.He said that while Zimbabwe still has one state-owned TV station, Kenya’s media industry has grown boosting close to 10 TV stations and several radio stations.“I’m shocked that in Zimbabwe there is only one state-owned TV station, in Kenya there are close to six major TV stations, adding that to vernacular stations brings the number to 10 and several radio stations,” said Raila.”The state-owned television has less than 20% of the market…I don’t even remember that last time I talked to state media (KBC),” he added.Raila was answering a question regarding the recent media shutdown during his swearing-in ceremony at Uhuru Park on January 30.“Recently the media was shut down for almost a week merely because of covering my swearing-in which is in contravention of our constitution. We are seeing a dangerous trend where the government has chosen to disobey court orders in several instances,” said Raila.He further faulted the government for deporting NRM General Miguna Miguna to Canada despite a court order asking them to produce him in court.“Our new constitution allows for dual citizenship and it was unconstitutional for the government to deport Miguna because he enjoys dual citizenship,” he said.Raila was in Zimbabwe for the burial of Movement for Democratic Change president Morgan Tsvangirai.