Kenya suspends CNN deal over terrorism slur
Kenya has suspended a multi-million shilling marketing communication deal with Cable News Network (CNN) in the latest sign of an escalating row with the American news channel over a recent terrorism slur.
The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), a State agency that markets the country’s attractions, said the move was necessary to avoid backlash from Kenyans angered by the “misrepresentation on the country’s security status”.
“Some narrative adverts were already running on CNN as we planned launch of above-the-line TV campaigns with them but we suspended all of that,” said CEO Muriithi Ndegwa on Thursday.
‘HOTBED OF TERROR’
The CNN caused a storm after it showed a graphic just days to President Barrack Obama’s July visit in which it described Kenya as “hotbed of terror”.
The remark was in reference to spate of terrorist attacks that have rocked Kenya since 2013, climaxing with the killing nearly 150 Garissa University students in April.
The reference by CNN, however, touched off a national fervour with Kenyans taking to social media to hurl back diatribe at the American television network.
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SOURCE: Business Daily