Kenyans blast Standard newspaper for fanning ethnic tension with misleading headlines

Profit supersedes core principles of journalism – Truth and Accuracy; that’s the conclusion most Kenyans came up with after seeing copies of Sunday Standard that were sold at different regions in Kenya.

Kenyans expressed their anger with Standard Newspaper over selective message to different target markets. The headline for the daily in Kisumu on Sunday August 6^th was totally different with the same copy of the Standard that was sold in Nyeri.

After Nasa and Jubilee held their last rallies in Nairobi and Nakuru respectively, The Standard came up with different headlines to appease both Nasa and Jubilee followers and assure them both their candidates were winning.

“Raila smells victory” Sunday Standard’s headline for its copies sold in Western and Nyanza Counties.

“Uhuru smells victory” Sunday Standard’s headline for its copies sold in Central Counties.

“The choice is yours” Sunday Standard’s headline for its copies sold in Nairobi County.

The selective headline targeting infuriated Kenyans on social media who blasted the Standard for making profit at the expense of truth and accuracy.

Netizens claimed what the Standard was fanning ethnic tension telling both Nasa and Jubilee supporters both their candidates were winning.

See some of the reactions from Kenyans below:

Getanda Ondieki Getanda: As they are selling I think it is rather unfortunate in that they give what people want to hear and not what it is. Media is a cartel as Miguna Miguna says.

Rich Koe: Another business opportunity

Gachoka Kariuki: Ndo maana ni za kufunga nyama!

Stephen Ndungu: Gutter press

Ndungu Nyoro: Am I the only one worried about our friends – 4th estate?

This is what they have to say today. Different message to different target markets.

In 9th August, I won’t be surprised to read the following:

1. Standard newspaper bought in Eldoret – “IT’S RUTO FOR D.P FOR5 MORE YEARS”.
2. KITUI – “KALONZO IS THE NEW D.P, SETS EYES ON TOP JOB 2022”.
3. KISUMU – “RAILA’S LAST ARROW LANDS HIM TO STATEHOUSE, GOODBYE UHURU”
4. KIAMBU – “A MIRACULOUS ESCAPE FOR UHURU AS HE RETAINS TOP JOB”.
5. KISII – “SHARED SPOILS FOR ABAGUSII”.

Mimi sijui nitaamini gani. But this is how we contribute in bringing instability to our country.

Kenfish Peter:  Newspapers have editions that serve juicy stories depending on the target. Its been there all through since time immemorial

Bil Kim: I can’t believe this is happening in the twenty first century. The blood thirsty demons live in some media houses nowadays……..Please Mr. PRESIDENT SIR. Deal with this crooks mercilessly from Wednesday as you start your second term. We deserve better from the media and it’s not a request but our right.