Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo has called on media houses to uphold professionalism when reporting matters of national concern.
Speaking on Thursday, May 15, during the Annual Media Summit in Nairobi, the vocal CS urged journalists to prioritise accuracy, balanced reporting, and fact-checking, particularly when reporting on government matters.
Addressing media stakeholders at the Edge Convention Centre in South C, Kabogo narrated one instance where journalists misinterpreted his sentiments on a subject, which sparked outrage among Kenyans.
According to the CS, he once visited the studios of a popular news outlet in Kenya. While exiting the studios, he was approached by journalists who sought his stance on the Ministry's intention to shut down TV and radio stations.
Kabogo said while he refuted the allegations, the next day the media house ran a new bulletin claiming he had threatened the media industry. According to him, his sentiments were twisted and skewed to misrepresent his stand on the matter.
"After thinking about the question, it occurred to them, look, we have to be responsible. I told them the government can shut them down, but I said no, there is freedom of expression. However, when I opened my TV that evening, I saw a headline written, Kabogo threatens!" the CS recalled.
"Is that fair? We have to understand how to play, we have to be fair and just, it is important to report daily and accurately," he added.
While rallying for responsible reporting, Kabogo stressed the importance of integrity, saying, "We urge the media to be fair, just and accurate. Responsible reporting underpins democracy".
He called on journalists, editors, bloggers and influencers to build a credible, accountable media ecosystem, warning against sensational headlines and underscoring the media's role in promoting national values.
"Responsible reporting underpins democracy. Speed must not override truth; accuracy and verification are crucial in the digital age," the CS emphasised.
His sentiments come on the back of online trolls by Kenyans who recently took to social media platforms to poke holes in Kabogo's suitability as the ICT minister.
In particular, Kenyans took issue with his dress code after a photo of him clad in a baggy pristine white shirt, a red necktie, tight brown khaki trousers, a pair of brown socks with black stripes, and brown safari shoes went viral.
After days of mockery and criticism, Kabogo on Tuesday evening responded, saying he was enjoying the trolls. Taking to his X account, the ICT minister wrote: "I am enjoying it, if no one makes such, you need to be very worried," suggesting that he was not upset by the posts.
