By Timothy Mugo

Broadcasting at a Migori town based radio
station has been stopped after CID officers stormed the station and arrested three journalists Wednesday evening.

Jedidah Achieng’ , Evance Oluoch and Elly Odero
of Onagi Radio FM were appeared before Chief magistrate David Kemei to answer charges of
establishing and using radio apparatus without a
license from Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).

This, according to the charge sheet, is contrary to
Section 35 (1) as read with section 38 (2) of the Kenya Information Communication Act, 1998.

The court heard that Onagi FM operated on frequency 97.1 MHz without a licence from CA.

One accused Mr. Oluoch amused the court when
he pleaded guilty to charges leveled against him, while Mrs. Achieng’ and Mr. Odero pleaded not guilty jn two separate hearings.

Mrs. Achieng’ was released on a bond term of sh.
100,000 or cash bail of 20,000 while jointly accused Mr. Oluoch and Mr Odero were to be remanded till Friday, 8 when the court will deliberate on their terms of release, bond or cash bail, as requested by their advocate.

Mr. Kemei urged investors in broadcasting stations to follow due process so as not to inconvenience themselves and the audiences.

“Developers should abide by the requirements of
the law in establishing broadcasting stations for their smooth operation,” Mr Kemei said.

He added that it was up to the investors to pay
the requisite fee as that is one of the avenues where the government generates revenues from.