Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Magistrate Njeri Thuku yesterday declined an application to gag the media from covering the trial of six people suspected to be behind a methamphetamine laboratory in Namanga, Kajiado County.
Lawyer Evans Ondieki made the oral application, saying that media coverage of the case had painted their clients as guilty, yet the trial had not yet concluded.
He said that the details given in the coverage of the trial and the arrest of the suspects were infringing on the rights of the suspects.
He added that the coverage and the use of the suspect's photos had been sensationalized, adding that it looks like journalists were acting under pressure. "I think it is the Americans (behind the coverage), I have no doubt in my mind." Those standing trial are Mexican national Israel Alvarado, two Nigerians Agwu Ojukwu and Egwu Ogba Mba and three Kenyans, Francis Maina, Caroline Wambui, and Betty Mukami.
