The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has sounded an alarm over the deteriorating relationship between the media and government, particularly regarding the coverage of ongoing public demonstrations.
This is after President William Ruto accused the media of cheering and marketing the ‘anarchy’ at the expense of Kenya’s peace.
The council’s Chief Executive Officer, David Omwoyo Omwoyo pointed out that both the government and media have a common goal – serving the public interest – and urged them to find common ground by respecting each other’s independence and duties.
“Using commercial interests to get back at editorial misgivings is no better than using editorial positions to revenge for unmet commercial expectations,” he said.
The MCK also highlighted the importance of professionalism in journalism, citing the need for media houses to adhere to the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya, particularly in regards to live coverage of conflict situations.
On the other hand, the council emphasized that instantaneous live broadcasting of violence and active combat is unprofessional and unethical, encouraging violence and lawlessness.
Instead, journalists should strive to critically analyze the situation, identify the key issues, and create a conversation around practical solutions.
Omwoyo called on both parties to prioritize national unity by creating a framework for communicating critical national issues while respecting each other’s independence.
He also urged the government to stop harassing journalists and depersonalizing media-government relations.
Some journalists have been injured while covering the protests, while others reported threats and intimidation over their coverage.
President Ruto urged media houses to report responsibly rather than fanning violence.
