- Bloggers often exploit the guaranteed freedom of expression the Kenyan constitution provides. As a result, families are left to learn of devastating events affecting their kin through graphic imagery posted on social media by bloggers seeking influential mileage.
Bloggers have been in a pickle recently and called out several times for their online activities, especially when reporting tragic events.
They have been accused of being insensitive and callous when reporting deaths and other tragic occurrences. These, including the recent helicopter crash that killed Kenya Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla and the Maai-Mahiu floods tragedy that claimed over sixty lives, left dozens injured and others missing.
Speaking at the memorial service of Maai-mahiu flood victims on May 9, Kiambu women's representative Ann Wamuratha called out bloggers for posting pictures of victims, including children who were killed in the tragic event.
Bloggers often exploit the guaranteed freedom of expression the Kenyan constitution provides. As a result, families are left to learn of devastating events affecting their kin through graphic imagery posted on social media by bloggers seeking influential mileage.
This comes as the Ministry of Interior announced that a special unit within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has been established to monitor threats targeted at bloggers.
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Speaking at the senate plenary session on Wednesday, May 8, Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki announced that the unit would protect freedom of expression and monitor content that perpetuates harassment.
It is important that bloggers realise the effect of the content they air, especially when the events covered are tragic in nature.
With the rise of citizen Journalism and the competition to be the one to break news first, bloggers overlook the human impact of what they post on social media. Graphic images and videos from tragic events leave long-lasting mental wounds on victims’ families.
