NAIROBI— The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has voiced concern over what it describes as a persistent pattern of sensationalism and unverified reporting by the Standard Group, warning that such practices threaten public trust and national stability.
In a statement, the Council highlighted the recent front-page headline “ABDUCTED” in The Standard newspaper which alleged without factual basis or official confirmation that former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju had been kidnapped. The report was published despite Tuju later re-emerging safely at his residence. The MCK described the coverage as irresponsible, noting that today’s editorial in the paper attempted to justify the breach rather than issue a retraction or apology.
“This alarming report poses a direct threat to national stability and the personal safety of individuals involved,” the statement read. It accused the Standard Group of prioritising provocative banner headlines over accuracy, denying subjects the right of reply in violation of the Code of Conduct for Media Practice (2025).
The MCK emphasised that the Tuju incident is not isolated but part of a broader trend of “yellow journalism” at the media house. It reminded the Standard Group that sensationalism may drive short-term clicks but ultimately erodes credibility, compromising long-term commercial and social viability.
The Council rejected recent attempts by the Group to portray the regulator as “compromised,” stressing that enforcing standards protects rather than undermines media freedom. “Accountability is not censorship,” it stated. “Professionalism remains the greatest safeguard of a free press. By abandoning verification, the media invites the very state interference it seeks to avoid.”
The MCK urged the editorial leadership of the Standard Group to return to journalistic fundamentals: verify facts before publishing and align operations with the 2025 Code of Conduct. It called for an end to defensive attacks on the regulator.
“We remain committed to supporting a free, fair and responsible press,” the statement concluded. “The public deserves media that is both bold and truthful. Anything less betrays the democratic space Kenyans have fought hard to secure.”
