The Kenyan government has threatened to suspend the licence of a vernacular radio station for broadcasting what it terms inflammatory content.

The government says Kass FM, which broadcasts in the Kalenjin language, was broadcasting material that was a threat to national security.

The charges relate to call-in programmes discussing poll violence.

But the station has denied the allegations, saying there is no evidence to support the claims.

In February, the government threatened to revoke the licences of vernacular stations, accusing them of incitement during the post-election violence which left at least 1,500 people dead.

Press freedom

Radio is the most popular medium, especially in rural areas, and among the illiterate.

Kass FM is based in Nairobi but broadcasts to the Rift Valley, scene of some of the worst violence, between Kalenjins and members of the Kikuyu community.

Information permanent secretary Bitange Ndemo said some of the content aired by Kass FM was “prejudicial to national security, national cohesion and national peace, healing and reconciliation process”.

Mr Ndemo said the station had failed to observe journalistic ethics and standards.

He was referring to programmes debating the idea of an amnesty for those arrested during the elections violence, as well as during recent by-elections.

The station defended its right to air comment on matters of public interest.

“So far there is no definite proof that proves any of the claims,” the station’s operations manager Joshua Sang said.

The station has been given until Friday to defend itself against the allegations.

The Media Council of Kenya has also criticized the move, warning that the government was at risk of interfering with press freedom.

“It would be tragic if the government withdraws the licence,” chairman Wachira Waruru said.

The government and the media have had an uneasy relationship, following raids on two private media outlets, a proposal to tighten media controls, and a ban on live broadcasts in January.
 
Courtesy of:http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7475327.stm