Media Council of Kenya CEO David Omwoyo has urged the media to exercise caution and verify information before relaying it to the public during the General Election.
Mr Omwoyo told journalists that they have a cardinal role in promoting cohesion by practising professionalism in their coverage of the polls.
The CEO spoke as he launched one of the seven media centres that the council has set up to help ease the coverage of the polls in Nakuru.
The centres will provide journalists with a conducive environment to file their stories from the polling stations and are equipped with working stations , fast internet connectivity and refreshments.
“There is proliferation of information at the moment and it will be prudent for journalists to remain professional in their work by verifying information before relaying it to the general public,” said Mr Omwoyo.
He further urged the media to remain true to their course and obligation to the society to avoid relaying conflicting information.
“The duty of declaring the winner of any election remains the role of IEBC while the work of the media is to announce results declared at different polling stations,” noted Mr Omwoyo.
The establishment of the media centres in Nakuru, Mombasa, Kisii, Meru, Nyeri, Kisumu and Uasin Gishu are in line with the Council’s strategic efforts to strengthen the work of journalists in ensuring free, fair and credible coverage of the polls.
The centres will be open till August 10, 2022.
By Jane Ngugi
