Kenya’s Media Watchdog Urges Journalists To Be Cautious During Gachagua’s Impeachment Period
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has urged journalists to use caution when reporting on the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Speaking at an event in Meru County, MCK Manager for Central and Eastern Region Jackson Karanja advised journalists to follow the Code of Conduct and avoid spreading disinformation.
The stories on DP impeachment proceedings in the @Senate_KE, & @ODPP_KE withdrawal of #Devani case dominated the headlines. @BD_Africa highlighted transparency issues in Adani’s power tariffs
— Media Observer (@MediaObserverK) October 16, 2024
➡️https://t.co/BcNxSVlPhw#MediaObserverKE@MediaCouncilK @CCommissionKE @KETRACO1 pic.twitter.com/Jusq07xA56
According to MCK, the country is currently experiencing heightened political tensions due to the ongoing impeachment, necessitating increased prudence.
Karanja challenged journalists, editors, and station managers to always guarantee that the content shared on various media channels is accurate and satisfies professional standards.
🎙️ Interview Insight: Fact-checking is key to responsible journalism.
— Karanja Jackson (@karanjajackson_) October 16, 2024
In my interview with various media outlets in Meru County, I stressed on the importance of verifying information to build public trust and avoid misinformation.#Factchecking pic.twitter.com/uc0iBnRwgL
“Verification of information is a very key component to where Media is today, so our call on journalists and the media at large is to ensure that the information being relayed is fact-checked to ensure accuracy and reliability,” he said.
The call comes as the impeachment procedures dominated the headlines on Wednesday, October 16, with virtually all, if not all, Kenyan print and digital media outlets concentrating on the impeachment.
The media plays an important part in such political issues since the public relies on it to provide credible information, communicate quickly, and provide authentic information.
On Wednesday, the Senate began hearings against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who is facing 11 counts including misuse of power, insubordination, and illegal wealth accumulation.
The session is set to continue until Thursday when Senators will vote on whether to remove the deputy president.
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Earlier in the day, the High Court denied the deputy president’s legal team’s request to issue orders halting the Senate session, inflicting a significant setback to the country’s second in charge.
The Senate now has the last say on whether to remove Gachagua.
If the house impeaches Gachagua, he can still file an appeal in court. On Sunday, the deputy president voiced faith in the judiciary, reversing his earlier criticism of the branch of government.
“Our Judiciary is very professional and I have no doubt that our eminent judges will protect and uphold the constitution and always make sure that the will of the people is sovereign,” Gachagua said during a church service in Embu on Sunday, 13 October.
Kenya’s Media Watchdog Urges Journalists To Be Cautious During Gachagua’s Impeachment Period
