The Media Complaints Commission has accepted a complaint from Safaricom PLC against Nation Media Group (NMG), paving the way for a full hearing into alleged unethical reporting.
In a ruling on delivered on 11th February 2025, the Commission decided Safaricom's concerns about potential breaches of journalistic ethics in a police surveillance exposé need further examination.
The complaint concerns two NMG articles from October 2024: "Revealed: How Police Use Mobile Phones to Track and Capture Suspects" and its follow-up, "Outrage Over Police Spying Exposé." Safaricom argues the stories included misleading and inflammatory claims, and that NMG didn't seek their response before publishing.
NMG insists the reports were in the public interest and they properly verified the facts. However, the Commission found Safaricom's claims raised credible concerns under the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya particularly on accuracy, fairness and accountability.
Citing potential reputational harm to Safaricom, the Commission ruled a full hearing is necessary, where both parties will present evidence. The case outcome is expected to shape the balance between investigative journalism and corporate accountability in Kenya's evolving media landscape.