Nairobi, KENYA: Information Communication and Technology Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru has absolved himself from the controversial media shutdown during the swearing of opposition Chief Raila Odinga on 30th this year, saying it was a move sanctioned by the National Security Council which is chaired by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The CS while appearing before the Senate ICT Committee on information and communication vehemently denied ever authorizing the switch off but instead shifted the blame to the security operatives.
“It was about national security. There is a process to be followed but I can assure you that the government’s commitment to the freedom of the press.” Mucheru said.
“We are determined to know the truth of the matter.” He added.
Upon being pressed to shed more light into the January 30th shutdown, The CS remained non-committal to the issue insisting the issue is an active matter in the court and therefore commenting about it would be tantamount to subjudice.
The chairman of the committee who is also the Senator of Baringo County Gideon Moi, said that he will seek guidance and directions from the Senate Speaker on the issue.
The ICT is probing the circumstances that led to media shutdown following the move by Opposition leader Raila Odinga took oath as the people’s president at a mock swearing-in Uhuru Park much.
