Can you spot anything weird in this photo? Kenyan journalists can’t agree
Journalists in Kenya are split over a picture that shows a female reporter kneeling down during a press conference addressed by Nasa co-principal Musalia Mudavadi.
The picture has been shared widely on social media.
ODM director of communication Philip Etale wondered: “Fellow journalists, is this professional… a journalist must remain a journalist not a microphone stand. Media houses must equip their journos. What are your thoughts?”
Kenya Union of Journalists secretary general Eric Oduor said: “Not acceptable.”
But Catherine Riungu said: “So, what should the reporter have done? Fold her vyombos, go back to her assignments editor and say, no story there was no one to hold the mics? Climb down from your intellectual towers and get real.”
John Karobosta Ngirachu added: “Kila mtu ajitawale. Wewe ufanye kazi yako na journalist afanye kazi yake. Journalism lecturers are in the academy.”
Odhiambo Orlale, another journalist also weighed in: “Other than being unethical and unprofessional, it is demeaning to the female reporters. I used to cover many press conferences and the PR and security of the Waheshimwa were ready to carry the microphones for the love of their bosses. Lessons learnt is that there must be better coordination at such functions to cater for all parties interests.”
Nelson Omondi said: “Musalia should have been a gentleman and helped the lady hold the microphone.”
Festus Mutua added: “No harm in this, just like a photographer who has to beyond the norm to get that perfect shot.”
Winnie Kiziah said: “There’s nothing wrong with the photo. She was just angling for the best audio. It’s like saying cameraman who has to lay on the ground to get good shots is also ‘violated’.”