As the country marks the anniversary of the June 25 Gen Z-led protests, the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has issued a strong appeal to journalists and media outlets to uphold the highest ethical standards in their coverage.
In a statement released on Wednesday, MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo urged media professionals to remain professional, responsible, and sensitive while covering events tied to the youth-led demonstrations. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the Code of Conduct for Media Practice, particularly its guidelines on accuracy, fairness, and the “do no harm” principle.
“The Council advises journalists covering the anniversary of the 25 June Gen Z protests to remain professional and responsible, ensuring their reporting minimises harm,” Omwoyo stated.
The CEO stressed that media practitioners have a duty to treat news subjects, colleagues, and audiences with dignity and respect. He cautioned against reporting that may unintentionally glorify violence, traumatize the nation, or cause further distress to grieving families and vulnerable communities.
“Journalists and media practitioners have a professional responsibility to frame public interest issues appropriately. The Council respects the editorial independence and professional judgement of media managers and editors in covering such national issues,” Omwoyo said.
The MCK also reminded reporters to avoid sensationalism and instead provide contextually accurate and balanced reporting that contributes to constructive national discourse.
In addition to guiding journalists, the Council appealed to law enforcement officers and protesters to uphold media freedom during the demonstrations. It emphasized that journalists have a constitutional right to cover public events without interference, harassment, or intimidation.
“The media governing body calls on police and protesters to respect the right of the media to cover the demonstrations without threats, harm, or obstruction,” the statement read.
The June 25 protests, led largely by Kenyan youth dissatisfied with governance and economic conditions, marked a turning point in public discourse and civic engagement in the country. As the anniversary is observed, MCK’s call underscores the vital role the media plays in shaping public understanding and safeguarding democracy through responsible journalism.
