The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has issued a Notice to Show Cause to Mediamax Network Limited, demanding an explanation over controversial remarks aired on Kameme FM and warning that the station could face enforcement action if it fails to respond by June 19, 2026.
In a letter dated June 16, 2026, addressed to Mediamax Chief Executive Officer Ken Ngaruiya, the regulator said content aired between June 8 and June 15, 2026 during the Arabuka Show and Canjamuka Show, hosted by Muthoni wa Kirumba and Chef Gathemba, may have breached multiple provisions of the Code of Conduct for Media Practice, 2025.
“In light of the foregoing and pursuant to Sections 6(k) and 45 of the Media Council Act, 2013, you are hereby directed to respond within three (3) days of this letter and in any case, not later than 19th June 2026 giving a detailed explanation to enable the Council to arrive at an informed decision on whether enforcement action should be considered against Kameme FM,” the notice states.
The Council reminded Mediamax that it is mandated by law to regulate media standards in Kenya.
“The Media Council of Kenya is an independent national institution established under the Media Council Act, 2013. Pursuant to Section 6 of the Act, the Council is vested with the statutory mandate, inter alia, to set media standards, monitor and ensure compliance with such standards,” the letter reads.
According to the regulator, its monitoring team flagged several statements made during the programmes for possible violations of professional journalism standards.
Among the remarks cited was a statement allegedly made by Muthoni wa Kirumba on June 9, 2026, saying:
“We, Gathuuri Ngui we, ti we Ngai!”
The Council translated the phrase to mean:
“You, dog, you are not God!”
The regulator also referenced comments made during the June 11 broadcast in which the presenter discussed allegations surrounding the collection of women’s identification documents and fingerprints, political influence over Kameme FM, and claims involving various political figures.
In the notice, the Media Council said the broadcasts may have violated several provisions of the Code of Conduct for Media Practice, including requirements on verification, fairness, balance and responsible broadcasting.
It specifically cited Clause 4(a), which requires journalists to “make all attempts to verify facts for accuracy and authenticity before publication or broadcast.”
The Council also pointed to Clause 4(b) requiring that “opinions, commentaries, and editorials are based on verifiable facts,” and Clause 4(g), which states that media practitioners must “verify the accuracy of statements and allegations made in public spaces before publication.”
Further, it referenced Clause 4(h) requiring that “all claims are verified before publication,” except in limited circumstances involving privileged or legally protected documents.
On issues of fairness, the Council cited Clause 5(a), which obligates journalists to make reasonable efforts to seek comments from persons mentioned adversely, and Clause 5(b), which requires all material sides of an issue to be presented “in a fair and impartial manner.”
The notice further highlighted Clause 5(d) requiring journalists to “clearly distinguish between comment, conjecture, and fact in all reporting,” and Clause 5(g), which states that all subjects of news coverage should be treated “with respect and dignity.”
In addition, the regulator alleged that the station may have failed to comply with Clause 11, which requires media enterprises to “incorporate a minimum seven seconds delay in live broadcasts to prevent the unintended publication of material that violates this Code.”
The Council also invoked Clause 12, which places responsibility for all published or broadcast content on editors or persons in charge of editorial material, and Clause 15(1)(a), which prohibits the publication of “obscene, vulgar, or offensive” content unless there is overriding public interest.
The notice concluded with a warning that failure to respond within the stipulated timeline could trigger regulatory action.
“Take note that in the event that you fail to respond within the set timelines, the Council will proceed with enforcement action as it deems appropriate,” the letter warns.
The notice was signed by Victor Bwire, OGW, Director of Media Training and Development, on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer and Secretary to the Media Council of Kenya.
As of the time of publication, Mediamax Network Limited and Kameme FM had not publicly responded to the notice.
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