The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has called out the media over the coverage of the death of a Catholic priest in Murang'a.
In a statement on Tuesday, MCK CEO David Omwoyo said the coverage of the priest's death was sensationalised and lacked empathy.
"We have noted with concern the media coverage around the circumstances that led to the death of Father Joseph Kariuki," he said.
"An analysis conducted by the Council subjected to the test of empathy, intrusion into grief and shock and the "Do no harm" principle has shown that most of the coverage in both mainstream and social media was unprofessional, unnecessarily intrusive and lacks common decency as provided for in the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya."
Omwoyo added that the use of sensational words and derogatory terms was insensitive and uncalled for.
He said it violated the dignity of the subjects involved resulting in the invasion of the individual's privacy.
"A review of the media coverage shows inconsistencies in reporting facts of the story, sensational headlines, and breaches of the code of conduct on accuracy and fairness, integrity, accountability, obscenity, taste and tone," the CEO added.
Omwoyo said that the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism requires that in cases involving personal grief and shock, inquiries should be made with sensitivity and discretion.
He urged journalists to present news with integrity, decency and respect the dignity of the audience as well as the subject of the news.
He advised that as the media continues to cover the story, caution should be taken to protect the dignity of individuals involved and adhere to expected professional practices at all times.