Advertisement

“Rediscover personal responsibility of journalists to communicate truth”: Kenyan Bishop

Bishop Joseph Obanyi during Holy Mass at the Holy Family Basilica Nairobi, Kenya Sunday, May 17, 2020.

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.

Advertisement

He underscored the need for personal responsibility “to protect oneself, the family and the community from Covid-19.”

For this reason, Bishop Obanyi who doubles as the Vice-Chairman of KCCB’s Commission for Health urged “all individuals, including children, to strictly comply with the methods of prevention as we have been given by the health authorities of the Ministry of Health to protect ourselves and others from getting the Coronavirus as we continue to entrust ourselves in the hands of God for his protection.”

He further urged the Kenyan government “to swiftly facilitate the health care workers who are at the frontline of the response by sensitizing, protecting and supporting them do their work of saving lives.”

“We also request that Faith-Based Organizations who run Health Facilities be included in the Government support for infection prevention and control to be able to prevent infections and protect healthcare workers and other patients as we continue to offer essential health services,” Bishop Obanyi appealed on behalf of his brother Bishops.

Kenya has recorded at least 912 cases of COVID-19, 50 related deaths and 336 recoveries.

More in Africa