The New York Times knows no wrath like that of Kenyans On Twitter.
K.O.T trolled the global news outlet the New York Times over a recent story that was shared on their site. The renowned site reported the death of several American Troops in Syria after a suicide bombing hit a restaurant. The Times reported that several Americans died in “Palace of the Princes, a restaurant where they often stopped to eat during patrols.” The story that was shared online on the 16th of January did not include images of the dead or injured, quite different from the New York Times report on the Riverside Attack that took place this week on the 15th of January 2018 in Nairobi.
Kenyans online were quick to question the mode of reporting the New York Times took on the most recent ISIS attack. The ISIS-led bombing in Syria claimed the lives of 4 Americans, and no images of the injured and dead troops were shared in the story. Kenyans keen to make it clear that international media outlets should respect the Kenyan people and avoid exploiting them for a sensational story. Kenyans had no chills for the New York Times reporting and insisted that they maintain their standards, for unethical journalistic practices. The incoming East Africa Bureau Chief Kimiko de Freytas-Tamura became the center of the Twitter storm as she tried to shift blame over insensitive images shared by the N.Y Times during the Riverside Attack.
Here are some of the most creative Tweets on New York Times take on terror and war reporting:
@kimidefreytas me i personally feel like i am not understanding this story. Not getting the real story and the gravity of this situation. This, obviously, will be solved by yall showing us their dead bodies. Did they not read the guidelines?
— mami long legs (@Nyokaffiii) January 17, 2019
I feel like I'm not seeing enough of your press freedom because of the lack of graphic photos of these honourable dead soldiers which is making me have a skewed understanding of this story & making me really stressed. @kimidefreytas please restore sanity to this vexing situation
— Tsindumbu 🦋 (@AfroMelanated) January 17, 2019
In Kenya it’s called @nytimes pic.twitter.com/bPXyqtuWyx
— Robert Gichohi (@RnGichohi) January 18, 2019
In Kenya it’s called @nytimes pic.twitter.com/bPXyqtuWyx
— Robert Gichohi (@RnGichohi) January 18, 2019
The international media outlet previously received a dress-down for their insensitive reporting, sharing images of the dead and injured during the gruesome terror attack that claimed 14 lives at Nairobi’s Dusit D2 Hotel. The New York Times is among the many media powerhouses that have garnered a reputation for double standards in reporting during times of crisis in third world nations. After an endless barrage online from K.O.T, the New York Times was strong-armed into an apology as the hashtag #SomeoneTellNYTimes and #DeportKimiko trended for hours. Unfortunately, their attempt at offering redress left a lot to be desired, leaving many Kenyans dissatisfied with their half-hearted apology.
We have heard from some readers upset with our publishing a photo showing victims after a brutal attack in Nairobi. We understand how painful this coverage can be, and we try to be very sensitive in how we handle both words and images in these situations. https://t.co/Qjm0qBMaF3 pic.twitter.com/1sqgTnnVKW
— The New York Times (@nytimes) January 15, 2019
