Wajir assembly speaker apologises to scribes after house scuffle

The Wajir County leadership has held a meeting with local journalists, three weeks after an ugly incident in which the local scribes were harassed while covering a function at the assemblies’ precincts.

This is after several institutions, among them the Media Council of Kenya [MCK], the Commission of Administrative Justice and Wajir-based civil society groups, raised their concern over the matter calling the relevant authorities to take action against those who were involved in the incident.

On July 30, chaos erupted at the Wajir county assembly after members argued over the proposed budget for the Financial Year 2024-25.

The argument escalated into violent altercations and property damage in the assembly chambers as MCAs fought over the mace.

Those caught in the melee were journalists who were covering the event, with NTV correspondent Noordin Elmoge being physically assaulted.

But for three weeks, the assembly leadership remained tight-lipped about the incident.

However, on Saturday, the speaker, Abdille Yussuf, convened a meeting with the journalists in his office, where he offered his apologies over the unfortunate incident, which he noted should not have occurred in the first place.

In attendance were the Kenya National Commission On Human Rights Wajir office and the CEO of Wajir Good Governance İnitiative Hashim Elmoge.

The discussions focused on creating a more accommodating environment for media personnel, allowing them to freely report on legislative proceedings without hindrance.

“Our meeting here today is a significant effort aimed at fostering transparency and cooperation between the County Assembly and media practitioners. Your work is not only noble but essential for the sustainability of our democratic practices," the speaker said.

"In addition to accessibility, the assembly underscored the importance of objective reporting, accuracy, and transparency as cornerstones for a healthy relationship between the two entities."

He assured the scribes that the Assembly will be at the forefront in ensuring that their rights are well protected, reiterating the sacrifices they make in pursuing the truth and ensuring that the voices of our constituents are heard.

Journalists present voiced their appreciation for the meeting and stressed the need for regular interaction with assembly members to receive timely updates and clarifications on legislative matters.

Wajir-based NTV correspondent Noordin Elmoge who was among those harassed on the fateful day while welcoming the meeting, terming it a good gesture, was however quick to add that the assembly leadership should walk the talk and make sure that such a thing does not happen again.

‘We remain hopeful that these efforts will lead to improved public trust and a more informed citizenry,” said Noordin.

Wajir-based journalist and the head of Wajir Community Radio, Mrs. Halima Kahiye also expressed optimism about the new collaborative approach.

“When we have better access and more information, we can ensure that our reporting is accurate and reflects the true state of affairs in Wajir County. This will ultimately empower our community by keeping them informed,” she said.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to establish a more robust framework for ongoing communication and coordination between the Assembly and the journalists.