Meru Press Club (MPC) Chairman David Muchui has appealed to the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) to ensure they regulate the media through training in order to enable them filter what is only beneficial to both the media and community.
He said the duty of MCK is to train, follow up and ensure the information aired is only meant to uplift the living standards of the media and community but not to destroy them.
“Since it is our regulator, I am appealing to MCK to regulate us through training. This will enable us to report back factual information meant to benefit the media and community.
This is because the media plays a very critical role in educating citizens and enhancing democracy in the society and country. Elections are one of the key ways citizens exercises their democratic rights,” said the Chairman.
Speaking during a presser following a courtesy call at MCK regional office located in Meru town, Muchui said without the correct information, the public can do what they think is right.
He said the media engage themselves in long and tiring process before bringing back the information for airing, viewing and printing.
“This is why giving the right information is important. Many journalists have been attacked and hurt by goons.
The best solution is to report to MCK regional offices in Meru town instead of taking the law into your hands,” Muchui noted.
He also lauded the continued partnership between the MCK and MPC while at the same time welcoming the newly posted MCK Mount Kenya East regional coordinator.
He said the political space is currently in full gear preparing for the next general election to be held next year, 2027.
“Media professionals come across a lot of information and interacts with many politicians on a daily basis. Some of the information given may be fake news or just for incitement. It is time to differentiate between the two,” he emphasized.
Expressing similar sentiments, MPC Welfare secretary Ms Lynnette Kinoti encouraged the media to ensure they report in the most objective way in order to attain the set objectives.
“I take this opportunity to welcome our new regional coordinator. I look forward to working with him as a journalist. Am urging the media to ensure they fact check before airing any news”, said the Welfare Secretary.
She added:
“We are in a very heated season. Avoid inciting the public with fake or unverified information.
Ms Kinoti challenged the political class to respect the work of the media.
