By KPC Reporter
The Media Council of Kenya has sounded the alarm over what it calls a dangerous surge in misinformation and disinformation spreading across online platforms.
In an advisory issued on Thursday, the Council warned that manipulated content, fabricated headlines, doctored images and invented quotations are being deliberately circulated to mislead the public and tarnish reputations.
“This content represents a serious breach of journalistic ethics and a clear violation of the Code of Conduct for Media Practice,” the Council stated.
The statement added that such material “serves no legitimate public interest and is designed solely to undermine the authority and reputations of public officers and prominent figures.”
The Council noted that rogue platforms and anonymous accounts have become systematic in their tactics, often impersonating legitimate media houses by stealing logos and branding.
These actions, it said, not only erode public trust but also threaten the credibility of genuine journalism and the integrity of Kenya’s information ecosystem.
“Images shall not be manipulated in a way that distorts reality or misleads the audience,” the advisory reminded, citing the Code of Conduct.
Further, MCK urged members of the public to remain vigilant and verify information before sharing.
The Council also referred the matter to the Communications Authority of Kenya for investigation into the ownership and operation of offending platforms, with the possibility of shutting them down.
Meanwhile, the Council’s Fact-Checking Desk will intensify efforts to debunk false narratives in real time.
“This advisory is issued to defend the integrity of journalism in Kenya and to protect the public from deliberate deception,” the Council said.