President William Ruto has urged the media to report responsibly amidst the ongoing protests that have affected the country. He cautioned journalists against promoting anarchy in their coverage, emphasizing the need for responsible reporting.
Although he did not specify particular incidents, President Ruto expressed concern that some media outlets were glorifying chaos. Speaking at a church service in Bomet County on Sunday, he remarked that the media should not take pride in the country’s turmoil.
Without naming any specific media organizations, Ruto stressed that the press has a responsibility to exercise good judgment in their reporting.
“I want to request the media to report responsibly,” Ruto said when he made remarks at the Chebango AGC church at Kapletundo ward, Sotik Constituency.
“Reporting, celebrating and encouraging violence, destruction of property, anarchy and mayhem is irresponsible.”
The President cautioned the media against going beyond the call of duty insisting that protecting the country should be a collective responsibility of all Kenyans.
He said that should Kenya come down, the media will also suffer in equal measure.
“If the country goes the wrong direction, there will be nothing to report and there will be nowhere to report from,’’ President Ruto said.
“So we must all act responsibly.’’
The President’s appeal comes days after the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) cautioned media houses over some of their content on anti-government protests.
CA Director General David Mugonyi, in a letter to newsrooms last Wednesday, said some of the content surrounding the protests violates the Constitution.
“While Articles 33(1) and 34(1) of the Constitution of Kenya guarantee freedom of expression and media independence, the said rights do not extend to “propaganda for war, incitement to violence, hate speech, or advocacy of hatred,” the letter read in part.
The warning came in the wake of the nationwide protests that have resulted in violence, loss of lives, and property destruction.
