Journalists have been asked to be careful on sensitive matters before reporting them to protect communities from unnecessary tensions and national unrest.
Addressing journalist at a devolution and security forum in Athi River, Wangethi Mwangi of Africa Media Initiative said lack of responsibility among most journalists on sensitive matters was a threat to the society.
Mwangi said that several communities across the nation had been torn apart by reporters who were not careful while handling such sensitive reports while undertaking their daily duties.
He said that was against code of practice for ethical journalism which was meant to be adhered to by all professionally practicing journalists in the 21st century.
The expert argued that journalists had discretion and abilities of pricking their conscious about the rights and wrongs to enhance senses of their communities.
He added that journalism demands integrity hence journalists needed to seek truth and minimise harm to the communities in which they operate.
“I urged journalists to practice responsible journalism and exercise restraint when dealing with sensitive issues such as ethnic, religious and communal clashes,” said Mwangi.
He concluded by saying that those in the media industry should practice journalism which builds confidence between warring parties and always provide platforms for common ground for resolution.