Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
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| Bishop Joseph Sagwe Obanyi |
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has urged journalists to be factual in their news reporting especially during this period of COVID-19 pandemic when so much information is being shared across social media platforms about the disease.
“As Journalists, you serve a fundamental purpose in society when you speak the truth and report fairly, objectively and accurately,” the Chairman of KCCB’s Social Communications Commission, Bishop Joseph Obanyi said on Sunday, May 17, while presiding over a televised Mass at Holy Family Basilica, Nairobi.
“I appeal to all 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 Obanyi said.
Acknowledging the challenges journalist are facing specially to cover news during this pandemic, the Church leaders encouraged them to be cautious not to be infected by the virus saying, “We call upon you to take care to protect yourselves from infection.”
The Bishops also appreciated the work journalists have been doing on disseminating information and keeping people abreast about Coronavirus.
“We, as Catholic Bishops, appreciate the commendable work done by media houses and journalists in ensuring Kenyans are informed about Covid-19 and other important news,” Bishop Obanyi of Kakamega Diocese stated.
The Prelates further appreciated the work of health care workers who are in the forefront saving lives amidst challenges.
In reference to the work done by health workers, the bishops have urged the Kenyan government “to sensitize, protect and support them do their work of saving lives.”
“We also request that Faith Based Organizations who run health facilities be included in governments’ 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 underscored.
In their statement titled “message of hope and encouragement,” the Bishops have continued to encourage adherence to safety measures issued by the government and the World Health Organization (WHO) as they ask for “individual’s responsibility” to stem the spread of Coronavirus.