Journalists, Media Houses Covering June 25 Protests Warned
According to Omwoyo, journalists and media practitioners have a professional responsibility to frame public interest issues appropriately.
Marvin Chege 
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has urged journalists and media practitioners to uphold the highest ethical standards ahead of coverage of the June 25 nationwide demonstrations.
In a statement signed by Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo, dated Tuesday, June 24 and obtained by Viral Tea, the media regulator reminded the Fourth Estate of the importance of complying with the Code of Conduct for Media Practice, with special emphasis 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.
"The media should follow the ‘do no harm’ principle, treating subjects, colleagues and audiences with respect and avoiding unnecessary harm to society and vulnerable groups through their reporting," MCK stated.
Media Council of Kenya (MCK) CEO, David Omwoyo speaking during an executive training on strategic media and communications for the Sasra Kenya Senior management on May 20, 2024. /MEDIA COUNCIL OF KENYA
According to Omwoyo, journalists and media practitioners have a professional responsibility to frame public interest issues appropriately. The Council, however, respected the editorial independence and professional judgement of media managers and editors in covering national issues of that degree.
"We also remind the media not to frame the protests in a manner that glorifies violence, traumatises the nation, or intrudes into grief. The section of the Code on Accuracy and Fairness stipulates that all subjects of news coverage must be treated with respect and dignity," added the statement.
MCK advised journalists to exercise caution while covering the protests and to prioritise their safety. At the same time, it urged security forces and protesters not to target journalists, as they are merely messengers.
Further, Omwoyo urged the police and protesters to respect the right of the media to cover the demonstrations without threats, harm or obstruction.
Bold coverage by the country's mainstream media ahead of the protests has been ruling online conversations, the latest being a report by The Standard newspaper, which uncovered a brazen plot by top government officials on how to suppress the upcoming June 25 protests.
In its exposé, The Standard outlined an alleged plot by the government—reportedly sanctioned by State House—to sabotage the June 25 protests through tactics like deploying goons and spreading digital propaganda.
On June 17, chilling reports revealed that hired goons were allegedly instructed to target and gravely harm women participating in peaceful protests on June 17 to cause public outrage and force the government to impose a ban on future protests.
The anniversary is thus anticipated to attract widespread public attention as political tensions continue to escalate. MCK’s advisory comes at a time when both local and international observers are calling for calm, professionalism, and the upholding of constitutional rights in the days to come.
