Ngwatilo

I’ve just tried to watch the 9pm news tonight and mostly failed, the first twenty minutes went to the media bill, choreographed a little with an interview type session within the news talking about how draconian and evil the Kenya Communications (Amendment) Bill 2008 is. The guy being interviewed (will try to check who the dude was on the 11pm news) has been pitched as someone close to Kibaki/Government. He begins by saying that the lengthy statement issued by Government Spokesman Alfred Mutua in today’s dailies was a waste of public funds.

Of course, I agree completely because there is clearly only one side to this story and the Media has told it all exhaustively from all angles not least during tonight’s 20 minute example of thorough, investigative, objective and “comprehensive” journalism (that last adjective provided by NTV’s Janet Kanini), not to mention the many prime time minutes taken up over the last 14 business days (and holidays) to “discuss” the issue. 

So tonight, after the 20 minute expose, Janet goes, “In other news” ODM leaders shall have an emergency meeting to discuss the growing divide between Kibaki and Raila Odinga. It sounds like Odinga doesn’t have access to the president. NTV says that they’ve learned that Raila was not actually consulted by the President over the “Media” bill and “other issues” …and now there is some concern that the marriage is (again!) not sitting on rose petals after all. A clip from Orengo at a rally or somewhere is provided, he’s saying that the two should not be kept apart. Literally that no one should sit between them. I’ll have to return with the name of the character…I can’t remember now.

This sounds like, “someone” is trying to suggest or cause a rift between Raila and Kibaki, which already crippled this country once, for months, exactly one year ago. 

Whether or not Kibaki and Raila are getting along at the moment is not critical, but the idea that they are not, tena when galvanized by the idea of a gagged media (especially when you think about the sequential positioning of the particular stories) can only serve to isolate Kibaki and if really developed, can be the pretext for some demonstration somewhere, at best. I don’t know how any law can make the media think beyond it’s own self-interest, truly. If Mainstream Media wants to be subversive (which is someone else’s role), or manipulative, it would take a lot of effort from government to stop, in fact more than is in the interest of government, at least at this moment in our history, and as we continue towards positive movement. 

Government is far from flawless, but the Media at this point is thought to be flawless, or is behaving as if it has no blood on its hands, which is far more dangerous, as it may draw more at any point, and we shall not be watching to expect it.

9.36pm; Janet’s just been reading the International news on the Gaza situation, she goes: “News just in: Hislop[?], White house Comptroller has been sent on an “indefinite leave…” “a close friend to Kibaki” has taken over his duties etc… I’m feeling like this is only important information if you are trying to either construct or expose a conspiracy.