Media Council of Kenya gives New York Times 24 hours to pull down gory photo

The Media Council of Kenya has said the New York times must pull down a horrific photo showing bodies of those killed in the 14 Riverside attack in Nairobi.

In a strongly worded letter on Thursday, the MCK called out the American media house over what it termed as a disrespectful, appalling and reckless publication.

“The MCK vehemently disagrees with your publication’s position that the objectivity of showing gory images of dead bodies from the attack is meant to give readers a clear picture of the horror of such acts,” the statement reads.

Also Read: American media obsession with showing dead bodies of everyone but their own

The Media Council of Kenya has also issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the New York Times to pull down the image and issue an unreserved apology, further warning that ‘relevant action’ will be taken in the event they fail to do so.

The deadline stated on the letter signed by Mr. David Omwoyo Omwoyo, the MCK Chief Executive Officer and Secretary to the Board, is January 21, 2019.

MCK is the body that sets standards for journalists working in Kenya.

According to the council,  the New York Times was unprofessional when they published the photo as it amounts to glorifying and parading the “success” of the terror attacks.

21 people were killed in the attack at 14 Riverside Drive that hosts hotels and offices. Over 50 were injured even as joint security forces managed to evacuate 700.

President Uhuru Kenyatta in his address to the nation said all the terrorists involved in the attack were killed and lauded the swift action by the police, army, Recce squad and civilians.

He also warned that those involved in the attack either through planning, funding or offering assistance to the attackers will face the full force of the law.

On Thursday, the Media Council of Kenya noted that despite calls from citizens from around the world to have the gory photo pulled down, it still remains on their New York Times article, a move which is causing further anguish and grief to the affected families.

The picture drew angry reactions particularly on social media platforms with some urging the government to deport the writer of the article who is also the NYT East Africa bureau chief..

MCK also quoted its Act No.46 of 2013 Clause 10 (2) that states: “Publication of photographs showing mutilated bodies, bloody incidents and abhorrent scenes shall be avoided unless the publication or broadcast of such photographs will serve the public interest.”

The same Act goes on to say: “in cases of personal grief or shock, inquiries shall be made with sensitivity and discretion.”

Also Read: New York Times says photo of dead bodies in 14 Riverside attack story will remain