The communications Authority (CA) has fined homeboyz radio has fined Homeboyz radio Sh1m and ordered that the breakfast show be off air for six months.
Speaking to the press on Sunday morning, the authority director general Mercy Wanjau directed that all presenters in the station undergo mandatory training.
"They should undergo training on 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.
She also directed that the station should publish a public apology on two newspapers with nationwide circulation.
This comes just a day after Homeboyz Radio and its parent company, Radio Africa, have terminated the service of Shaffie Weru, Joseph Munoru (DJ Mfalme) and Neville Muysa with immediate effect. On Friday, the three were suspended for two weeks in relation to comments they made that appeared to victim shame and justify sexual assault against women.
"The comments of said erstwhile employees were neither authorized, approved nor cleared with the company nor was the subject discussed and or authorized by the company’s senior leadership. We are deeply disappointed in their conduct." Homeboyz Radio General Manager Somoina Kimonjino said in a statement on Saturday evening.
In a viral video, the presenters discuss an ordeal in which a 20-year-old woman was thrown off the 12th floor of Ambank House by a man she met on Facebook. The woman, Eunice Wangari Wakimbi, had met the perpetrator, Moses Gatama Njoroge, for a date in Nairobi on September 13, 2020.
On Saturday East African Breweries Limited (EABL) suspended advertising on Radio Africa Group.
"As a responsible corporate citizen that upholds and champions gender inclusion, diversity and human rights, we support the ongoing investigations. EABL and the Guiness Brand are significant advertisers on a variety of programmes on Radio Africa Group.Consequently, beginning Thursday 26th March 2021, EABL paused all advertising on the RAG programmes related with these presenters” EABL said in a statement.
In a statement , the media council of Kenya (MCK) welcomed the move by Homeboyz radio to fire the three presenters calling on all journalists and media houses to adhere to the guidelines and regulations.
"The Council takes note of the action taken by the management of the radio station, against the individuals and commends them for taking responsibility. 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." reads a statement from MCK
