Homeboyz Radio Fined Ksh 1mn for Violating Programming Code

Homeboyz Radio will pay Ksh 1 million as a penalty for violating the programming code, the Communications Authority said Sunday.

This was a few hours after Homeboyz Radio and its parent company, Radio Africa terminated the service of Shaffie Weru, Joseph Munoru (DJ Mfalme) and Neville Muysa following a review of the comments made on the station Thursday morning and their subsequent suspension from employment.

The trio during their breakfast show Thursday morning made the alleged comments about Eunice Wangari, 20, who was reportedly thrown from the 12th floor of a building by a man after refusing his sexual advances.

“Our partners and listeners will not be surprised by this action to terminate their services as it is the right thing to do,” Homeboyz Radio General Manager Somoina Kimonjino said in a statement on Saturday evening.

“We have determined that their conduct constitutes gross misconduct and an egregious breach of the company’s editorial policies. The company and its subsidiaries do not condone gender-based violence or any form of physical, verbal and emotional abuse nor does it subscribe to the view shared by the three employees.”

The Communications Authority says the comments were in violation of the provisions of the law and the Programming Code in respect to the requirement for broadcasters to air decent and family-oriented programming during the watershed period.

Following an extensive review of the matter, CA established that the station had: 

“Discussed sexual matters in an explicit and offensive manner, and the glorified sexual violence against women, in blatant breach of the legal requirement for broadcasters to provide responsible programming.”

Sections violated according to the regulator include Section 1,3.4 of the Programming Code that requires broadcasters to: uphold the values and customs of civilised society, respect the rights and sensitivities of all people, preserve the honour and sanctity of families and homes and protect the sanctity of individual dignity.

Other penalties the regulator imposed on the station include a six-month suspension of the offending show until the station demonstrates compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements.

Consequently, the station has been ordered to publish a public apology in two newspapers with nationwide circulation and air the same on the station during prime time starting Sunday for the next five days.

The staff of the station to undergo training on the Programming Code by the Authority.

“This training should be certified and supervised by the national gender and equality commission and evidence of compliance filed with the authority, ” said Ms Wanjau.

The station was also directed to ensure its presenters are accredited by the Media Council of Kenya and file evidence of compliance with the authority.

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The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) applauded Radio Africa for terminating the employment of the trio terming it a sign of “commitment to uphold ethical standards in their programming”.

“The Council takes note of the action taken by the management of the radio station, against the individuals and commends them for taking responsibility,” CEO David Omwoyo said in a statement.

“This is as a sign of commitment, to uphold ethical standards in their programming. Consequently, the Council will be keen on following up on such matters to enforce compliance as per the Media Council Act 2013.”

Naitore Nyamu Mathenge, a human rights advocate and head of Physicians for Human Rights’ Kenya office, said Eunice should be compensated too!!! Quoting  Justice Ali-Aroni, “Compensation ‘is merely an acknowledgement of rights, and an attempt to make reparations.

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