The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has issued a notice to show cause to Mediamax Network Limited (MNL), the parent company of Kameme FM, over alleged violations of the Code of Conduct for Media Practice during broadcasts aired between June 8 and June 15, 2026.
In a letter addressed to Mediamax CEO Ken Ngaruiya, the Council said it had identified concerns regarding content aired on Kameme FM’s Arahuka Show and Canjamuka Show, hosted by Muthoni wa Kirumba and Chef Gathemba.
The matter arose from a complaint filed by Henry Mburu, who alleged that some of the station’s political discussions could promote ethnic division and political tension. He urged the station to ensure its commentary remained factual, fair, balanced, and in the public interest.
Following a review of the broadcasts, MCK found that while presenters made claims that politicians were trying to influence the station’s editorial decisions, there was not enough evidence to prove that Kameme FM’s editorial independence had been compromised. The Council noted that these claims were presented as allegations and were not backed by verified facts.
However, the Council raised concerns about remarks made during a live exchange involving presenter Muthoni wa Kirumba, popularly known as Baby Top, and politician Paul Waiganjo. During the broadcast, Muthoni referred to Waiganjo as a “dog” and stated that he was “not God.” MCK said the comments amounted to offensive and insulting language that was not justified by public interest or journalistic standards.
The Council also questioned whether the station had adequate safeguards to prevent such content from being aired live. It noted that the remarks were broadcast without any apparent moderation or intervention, raising concerns about compliance with broadcasting regulations.
According to MCK, its preliminary findings indicate possible violations of several clauses of the Code of Conduct, including those relating to accuracy, verification of facts, fairness, balance, and the distinction between fact and opinion. The Council also cited provisions requiring media houses to treat individuals with dignity and ensure offensive content is not aired without sufficient public interest justification.
Despite the strong political commentary aired during the programmes, MCK concluded that there was insufficient evidence to establish hate speech, ethnic incitement, discrimination, or calls for violence against any community. The station was therefore cleared of the most serious allegations.
Even so, the Council emphasized that editors and media managers remain responsible for all content broadcast on their platforms and must ensure compliance with professional and ethical standards.
MCK has directed Mediamax Network Limited to submit a detailed written response within three days of receiving the notice, and no later than June 19, 2026, explaining why enforcement action should not be taken against the station.
The Council warned that failure to respond within the given timeline could lead to enforcement measures under the Media Council Act, 2013.
The notice was signed by Victor Bwire, Director of Media Training and Development, on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer and Secretary of the Media Council of Kenya.
Mediamax Network Limited had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of publication.
