NAIROBI, Kenya Feb 6 – The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has expressed concern regarding gender biases observed in media coverage of femicide cases in the country.
The Secretary to the Council and Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo, on Tuesday, underscored the importance of newsrooms adhering strictly to the code of conduct when reporting on violent crimes, deaths, and tragedies.
Omwoyo’s statement follows recent incidents of violence, particularly the murders of Scarlet Wahu in a short-stay home in South B, Nairobi, and Rita Waeni in a similar establishment in Roysambu, Nairobi, where her body was found dismembered.
“Media reporting of these deaths, aptly branded femicide’ must remain factually accurate and objective, as opposed to being sensational and depicting gender biases. Such stories must bear no hint of stereotyping of any form and must not be seen to confirm certain social prejudices,” Omwoyo said.
Omwoyo expressed regret that during the time of the deaths, media reporting seemed to portray a gender conflict rather than objectively addressing the underlying issues.
While citing sections 13 of the code relating to privacy, Omwoyo emphasized the importance of drawing verifiable conclusions to aid in the development of appropriate interventions by those responsible.
He observed that some journalists had blatantly chosen to violate the privacy rights of the victims’ families in their pursuit of stories.
“The Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya stipulates that journalists shall be accurate and fair to ensure that all subjects of news coverage are treated with respect and dignity, showing compassion to victims of crime or tragedy,” he said.
