Nairobi, 18 May, 2020 / 10:00 pm (ACI Africa).
The Bishop overseeing the Social Communications Commission of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has challenged journalists in the East African nation engaged in reporting about COVID-19 “to rediscover” their individual responsibility to convey verified messages amid misinformation and disinformation about the pandemic.
“I appeal to all the members of the Press to understand that they have the responsibility of stemming the spread of fake news and to rediscover the dignity of journalism and the personal responsibility of journalists to communicate the truth,” Bishop Joseph Obanyi said Sunday, May 17 while presiding over televised Mass at Holy Family Minor Basilica in Nairobi.
The Chairman of KCCB’s Social Communication Commission added, “As Journalists, understand that you serve a fundamental purpose in society when you speak the truth and report it fairly, objectively and accurately; be beware of fake news and misinformation that is shared across social media about the Coronavirus.”
He however acknowledged the initiatives journalists make to bring information to the public and speaking on behalf of his brother Bishops said, “We, as Catholic Bishops, appreciate the commendable work done by the Media Houses and Journalists in ensuring Kenyans are informed about Covid-19 and other important news.”
The Local Ordinary of Kenya’s Kakamega diocese went on to express the Bishops’ “deep appreciation and admiration towards health care workers” for their dedication to saving lives.
