Ruto to Media: Report responsibly

 

Ruto asks media to report responsibly

President William Ruto has called on the media to report responsibly in the wake of protests that have rocked the country.

The President warned journalists not to celebrate anarchy in their reporting, saying the press must be responsible in their coverage.

Without referring to any specific instances where the media has allegedly crossed the line, President Ruto said it was unfortunate that a section of the media was glorifying anarchy.

Speaking on Sunday when he attended a church service in Bomet County, Ruto said the media has nothing to be proud of when the country sinks.

Without naming any media house, Ruto insisted that the media has a duty to exercise good judgment whenever reporting on events in the country.

“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.

by JAMES MBAKA