By Jerry Nguwa

Nairobi, August 09, 2009

Diplomatic relations between Kenya and Ethiopia are very tense presently. The two long time friends are on the verge of a break up. Reason, a Television Station's feature. The Nation Media Group's NTV is airing a reportage showing probably for the first time ever the activities of the Oromo Liberation Front – OLF -.

The OLF is a rebel group formed mainly of militants from the Oromo tribe. They operate in the southern region of Ethiopia and their leader sought exile in Eritrea from where he coordinates OLF's activities.

For the Ethiopian government, airing such features on TV station with nationwide coverage is a way of lauding the rebel group's terrorist activities. To please their ally, the Kenyan government promised to do everything to stop the airing of the feature. It however stated clearly that despite the fact every effort will be put, Media houses enjoy freedom of press.

Prior to the airing, the Kenya government entered into talks with the Media house editors for close to a week. But the Editors opted to go ahead. They argued that the reportage been aired is factual and took them 3 years to obtain the exclusive filming without mentioning resources involved.

The three part reportage was first aired last Thursday, the second part came on Friday and the last part will be on air on Monday 10 th august.

HAPAMEDIA