Kisumu's SKY FM closed over frequency row, journalists arrested
Transmission mast for SKY FM located at Kibuye in Kisumu. The station was closed down on Wednesday May 6, 2015 after claims that it was operating without a license while at the same time using frequencies allocated to other radio stations. PHOTO | TOM OTIENO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- The radio station is associated with Kisumu Senator Anyang Nyong’o.
- Contacted, Prof Ny’ongo referred Nation.co.ke to the radio manager saying he was in a better position to speak on the matter.
- The crackdown on the radio station comes barely a month after six other radio stations were shut down for operating without licences.
A radio station associated with Kisumu Senator Anyang Nyong’o was Wednesday shut down and two journalists arrested over complaints that it was operating without a licence.
County Police Commander Nelson Njiri said that they had received complaints from other frequency users that SKY FM, located at Kibuye in Kisumu County, was using frequencies allocated to other stations.
SKY FM has been operating on the 98.1 frequency for close to four months.
Mr Njiri said that following many complaints, they launched investigations and went to court last month after which a warrant of arrest was issued on the radio broadcasters and managers.
TRANSMISSION EQUIPMENT SEIZED
“We stormed the station today morning and found two presenters transmitting a live interview with Kisumu Deputy Speaker Pamela Jossy Omino. The two radio presenters have been arrested and transmission equipment seized,” Mr Njiri told journalists in his office.
He said that the two will be taken to court to answer to the charges of establishing and operating a radio station without a licence.
Contacted, Prof Ny’ongo referred Nation.co.ke to the radio manager saying he was in a better position to speak on the matter.
“Talk to the station manager for more information,” he said.
The station manager could, however, not be reached for comments as his phone was switched off.
The crackdown on the radio station comes barely a month after six other radio stations were shut down for operating without licences.
Mr Njiri warned that owners of radio stations operating without permits would be arrested and their equipment confiscated saying they posed security risks.
