Nairobi — The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has criticized what it has termed the 'sensational' news reporting surrounding the death of a priest at a hotel in Murang'a over the weekend.

The Catholic priest from Ruai Parish passed away under unclear circumstances after spending a night out with a woman.

According to the police, the priest, identified as Joseph Kariuki Wanjiku, 43, from St Peter's Catholic Church in Ruai Parish, collapsed and died on Saturday morning while in the company of a woman who is also a church staff member.

MCK expressed deep concern over the media coverage regarding the circumstances surrounding the priest's death, labeling it as "insensitive."

"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," MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo said.

Omwoyo pointed out that the media coverage exhibited the use of sensational and derogatory language, which was insensitive and unnecessary, disrespecting the dignity of those involved and intruding on their privacy.

He highlighted inconsistencies in reporting facts, sensationalized headlines, and breaches of the code of conduct regarding accuracy, fairness, integrity, accountability, obscenity, taste, and tone.

The CEO of MCK emphasized that the Code of Conduct requires sensitivity and discretion when dealing with cases involving personal grief and shock.

"Journalists have an obligation to present news with integrity, common decency, and respect for the dignity of both the audience and the subjects of the news," he said.

Omwoyo advised that while the media continues to cover the story, caution should always be exercised to protect the dignity of the individuals involved and to adhere to expected professional practices.