MCK: Media Coverage Of Priest’s Death Is Devoid Of Empathy

Phoebe Opar

Following the death of Father Joseph Kariuki and the numerous media reports that ensued, the Media Council of Kenya have today issued a press statement.

A press statement issued by the Media Council of Kenya following the unethical coverage of the events that led to the death of Father Joseph Kariuki

The report states that majority of the story’s coverage in both mainstream and social media were unethical and breached some codes of conduct. After carrying out an analysis, the Council confirmed that most stories on the matter lack empathy and decency. According to the MCK, stories circulating around of the late priest are unprofessional, intrusive and violate human dignity.

Father Joseph Kariuki met his death on July 9, at Murang’a. Police reports indicate that, he was found unconscious in a hotel room in Murang’a County. The Late Parish Priest had checked into the hotel on July 7, in the company of a 32 year old female. His lifeless body was found half covered with a hotel bedsheet and white foam oozing from his mouth and nose.

Following the coverage of these events, MCK found that a number of sensational and derogatory terms were used. Evidently, such words go against the “Do no harm” principle as well as invade on the individual’s privacy. In consonance with MCK’s findings on the media coverage, there also were inconsistencies in reporting facts of the story, accuracy, integrity and accountability.

The late Father Joseph Kariuki was a Parish Priest at St. Peter’s Church Ruai.

The MCK advises the media to cover the story in line with journalistic codes of conduct. The Council insists that, caution must be taken to protect the dignity of individuals involved and adherence to expected professional practices at all times. MCK reminded reporters that, the code of conduct for journalists covering such stories in Kenya requires that:

In cases involving personal grief and shock, inquiries shall be made with sensitivity and discretion.
Journalists shall present news with integrity, common decency and respect the dignity of the audience as well as subject of the news.

Word of Father Joseph Kariuki’s death spread like wildfire. However, some netizens claim that, some specific media houses have been posting and reposting links to the story countless times. As their intentions for insistently sharing these obscene events may not be clear, it is clear that their taste and tone on the matter is subjective.

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Summarily, it has been noted that, other sensitive stories that require some level of discretion and delicacy have been met with carelessness and oblivion. This style of reporting is also evident on GBV cases, stealing attention from investigations and factual causes.