Two senior reporters from Citizen TV will no longer be allowed to report from Parliament. The speaker ruled that their presence poses a security risk to the honorable members.
These reporters were key in the June 25 #OccupyParliament live coverage, where youths entered the parliamentary chambers.
Mr. Letoo, one of the affected reporters, expressed his frustration on Facebook, calling the ban unconstitutional.
“So now Hon Moses Wetangula, National Assembly Speaker and PSC Chair wants to KICK OUT Journalists Covering Parliament from the Precints (Media Centre) on grounds we are a source of ‘insecurity to MPs’ following #OccupyParliament coverage! If N.A wants blackout, Senate wants transparency,” he posted after learning about the ban.
Letoo further said there more journalists being targeted by the ban including his colleague Seth Olale who has been part of media coverage of the protests.
“Other than relocation of Parliamentary Journalists to Outside Parliament, there is a resolution to BAN some journalists myself included who covered #OccupyParliament from stepping in the new area. Seth Olale who exposed the MPs escape tunnel also banned,” said Letoo.
Olale also pointed at his supposed ban and termed it ill advised.
“Reliable sources within Parliament confirm that indeed I have been BANNED from Parliament alongside my colleague Stephen Letoo because of our role in highlighting #OccupyParliament. This reported move by PSC is ill-advised and against Media Freedom,” said Seth Olale.
The two reporters highlighted the events that transpired on the June 25, and reported the details of how the lawmakers escaped after passing the controversial Finance Bill 2024.
