Reactions as NTV Kenya Apologizes to Kithure Kindiki After Airing Fake News

NTV apologizes to Kindiki after airing a false SACCO funds report, triggering mixed reactions and raising fresh concerns over media credibility in Kenya.

Reactions have intensified after NTV Kenya issued a public apology on July 6 for an inaccurate report that linked SACCO funds to mega infrastructure projects.

In a statement released on July 6, the media house said its earlier broadcast claimed that over Ksh 1 trillion held by SACCOs could finance large-scale national projects and cited Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as the source.

However, after reviewing the facts, NTV said the report contained incorrect details.

“We acknowledge that the details of this report were incorrect, and we hereby unreservedly apologize to the Deputy President, Professor Kithure Kindiki, who was cited as the source of the angle, as well as all other affected persons by our reportage, for any inconveniences and harm it may have caused,” NTV stated.

Further, the station said it did not intend to mislead the public.

“It was in no way intended to be misleading or off the mark. We have taken corrective action and remain committed to the integrity of journalism that we have always stood by,” NTV added.

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NTV Apology Sparks Mixed Public Reactions

Following the apology, Kenyans took to social media and expressed mixed reactions, with some questioning the credibility of the correction while others emphasized accountability in journalism.

First, some users argued that the initial report had already triggered public concern and shaped perceptions about the safety of SACCO savings.

“Whether it was a slip of the tongue or it was true, that news helped us, given that no one trusts this government with anything. The news, having caused the public outcry, stopped the sinister plan,” said Muyila.

Meanwhile, other voices stressed that corrections do not erase the damage caused by unverified reporting.

“A correction is welcome, but it cannot erase the damage caused by publishing unverified claims. Credibility is a newsroom’s greatest asset; once traded for speed, sensationalism, or vested interests, it is painfully difficult to recover,” said Senator Mong’are Okong’o.

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Media Outlet Criticized as Others Defend Initial Report

At the same time, some Kenyans questioned the circumstances surrounding the apology and suggested external pressure may have influenced the move.

“What you said earlier was true… you did a mirror image report. Now that the government has forced you to apologise and issue a second statement to please them, it’s OK. Stand firm sometimes. Be bold,” said Moses Simiyu.

Additionally, others raised concerns about media independence and accused newsrooms of manipulation.

“Who has that clip of ‘viewers apologies.’ We know this script. We understand the manipulation media plays and that’s why when media houses are owned by crooked politicians anything is possible,” said Bobby VJ.

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