The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has issued a notice to show cause to Kameme FM, citing alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct for Media Practice arising from comments aired on the station between June 8 and June 15, 2026.
In a letter addressed to Mediamax Network Limited Chief Executive Officer Ken Ngaruiya, the Council said it had identified potentially problematic content broadcast during the station’s Arahuka Show and Canjamuka Show, hosted by presenters Muthoni wa Kirumba and Chef Gathemba.
According to the Council, some of the statements aired during the programmes contained allegations and political commentary that may have violated professional media standards relating to accuracy, fairness, verification of claims, and responsible broadcasting.
The regulator cited several remarks made on air, including comments touching on political figures, allegations involving voter identification documents, and claims of political influence over the station. The Council noted that the broadcasts were widely circulated online and attached transcripts and social media links as part of its case.
MCK said the broadcasts may have contravened multiple provisions of the Code of Conduct for Media Practice, 2025. These include requirements for journalists and media houses to verify facts before publication, distinguish clearly between fact and opinion, present all sides of an issue fairly, and treat subjects of news coverage with dignity and respect.
The Council also raised concerns about the station’s handling of live broadcasts, pointing to provisions requiring media enterprises to maintain a minimum seven-second delay mechanism to prevent the airing of material that could violate the code.
In addition, the regulator questioned whether editorial oversight obligations had been adequately fulfilled, noting that editors and content managers bear responsibility for all material broadcast by their media outlets.
MCK has directed Kameme FM to submit a detailed response within three days, and no later than June 19, 2026, explaining the circumstances surrounding the broadcasts and addressing the alleged breaches.
The Council warned that failure to respond within the stipulated timeline could result in enforcement action 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 to the Media Council of Kenya.
The development places one of Kenya’s most influential vernacular radio stations under regulatory scrutiny as the Council intensifies efforts to enforce professional standards in the media industry.
