The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has given a stern warning to any journalist intending to contest next year’s polls or are affiliated to certain political parties or ideology
MCK said that such people should quit office, a move aimed at protecting objectivity and fairness in the coverage of 2017 General Elections.
The Council also urged media houses to let go ‘biased’ journalists and threatened to withdraw the accreditation of journalists who want to work for political parties.
“The Council wishes to advice that media houses must let go of politicians in newsrooms; journalists and media practitioners that have declared affiliation to political parties, movements, groupings or indicated their intentions to vie for elective positions in 2017,” warned MCK Board Chairman Charles Kerich
“The Code of Ethics for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya is very clear on this and related conflict of interest matters.”
The Council also requested media houses to develop and implement social media policies for journalists adding that they should draw the line between personal opinion in private space and walls, and views that suggest that a journalist is biased.
“It is unrealistic for media practitioners to spew biased opinions on their social media pages, and expect not to be viewed as partisan by people who expect to be covered fairly,” he warned.
Kerich called on media houses to investigate claims that some politicians have influenced journalists to the extent that their competitors in the counties do not enjoy any fair coverage, and only make it to the media with negative stories.
“Media houses are advised to investigate these claims and take appropriate action. In the same vein, the Council wishes to request media houses to establish and strengthen their public editors’ offices to help deal with such,” he added.