Media Council of Kenya CEO Mr David Omwoyo has urged the media to exercise caution and verify information before relaying it to the public during the General Election.
Speaking at the launch of the media centre in Nakuru city, one of seven centres that the Council has set up in the country to assist journalists file and report information received from tallying centres during the transitional polls.
“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 media centres in Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Mombasa, Kisumu, Kisii, Meru and Nyeri counties will accord MCK-accredited journalists a conducive environment to report on the polls. This is in line with the Council’s strategic efforts to strengthen the work of journalists towards a free, fair and credible General Election.
At the centres that will be open till 10th August 2022, journalists will have access to technical and logistical support and information on elections-related matters. They will be provided with workstations and fast and reliable Internet to enable seamless flow of information.