News sources in Western and Nyanza regions have been advised to be cautious of individuals masquerading as journalists with the intent to defraud them.
In a press statement dated January 17, 2025, and shared with The Nyanza Review on Tuesday, January 21, the Bungoma County Fourth Estate (Bucofe), led by association chairperson Mr. Renson Mauka, emphasized the importance of upholding ethical journalism standards in an era of rapidly evolving media and communication.
“We issue a stern warning to news sources, organizations and individuals to exercise caution when dealing with those claiming to be journalists,” said Mauka.
The statement noted a concerning rise in unqualified individuals, commonly referred to as “quacks,” who falsely present themselves as members of the fourth estate.
These individuals exploit the trust of news sources, misrepresent facts and tarnish the integrity of the journalism profession.
To combat this, the association recommends that news sources take steps to verify credentials by always requesting and confirming official identification or press passes issued by recognized media accreditation entities such as the Media Council of Kenya.
They also urged news sources to contact the media organizations individuals claim to represent to verify their authenticity and cross-check past work to assess professionalism and adherence to ethical standards.
“We, the members of Bungoma County Fourth Estate, are appealing to the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) to act swiftly to eliminate these individuals who tarnish the reputation of accredited journalists,” Mauka added.
The association further stated that politicians, school heads, and CEOs of various institutions have been complaining about the unethical behavior of individuals posing as journalists, who allegedly demand large sums of money to cover stories.
“The actions of these unprofessional individuals claiming to be journalists have tarnished our reputation, causing some of our sources to lose confidence in us,” said Mauka.
He added that restoring confidence and trust among their sources has become a significant challenge.
Great move Mr. Chair “Renson Mauka Walialula”
Great move Mr. Chair “Renson Mauka Walialula”