Kenyans are at war with American news network the Cable News Network (CNN) after a headline referred to their country as a “Terror Hotbed .” Using the hashtag #SomeoneTellCNN, Kenyans have expressed their discontent with CNN’s negative reporting which has earned them a reputation over the years.
The first time CNN caught the rage of Kenyans was when a report in 2012 stated that the violence in Kenya was “widespread,” whereas it was only in the country’s capital, Nairobi. Even worse was their use of an image which seemed like a scorched Kenyan flag.
As if that wasn’t enough, in 2013, CNN aired a story in what appeared to be a play act in the Rift valley showing youths getting ready to fight ahead of the general elections.
Here is what Kenyans have to say to CNN:
Dear CNN, It would be prudent to note that we are not a backward banana republic but a highly informed & analytical nation. #SomeoneTellCNN
— Julie Gichuru (@JulieGichuru) July 23, 2015
#SomeoneTellCNN they have their own agenda in bringing Africa down.If you have nothing to report we’ll help you.You won’t derail our vision — Chris Kirubi (@CKirubi) July 23, 2015
Dear CNN, Kenya has not forgotten the staged story, actually a comical dramatic skit by @NimaCNN ahead of 2013 elections #SomeoneTellCNN
— Julie Gichuru (@JulieGichuru) July 23, 2015
#SomeoneTellCNN the “Terror Hotbed” gave birth to the most powerful man in the World.. and he’s coming home! pic.twitter.com/wyXv5obefg — AbdulHadji (@abdallahhjuma) July 23, 2015
#SomeoneTellCNN I dont need to look too hard to spot the hotbed of terror pic.twitter.com/UC1RDVyn5p
— lucy mwangi (@lnmwangi) July 23, 2015
Shyet…wtf is wrong with CNN? They are reporting this as if Obama is going to Afghanistan!! #SomeoneTellCNN https://t.co/OE6Yu5iY3X — Wa Wambura (@IamOminde) July 23, 2015
@xtiandela @CNN What a SHAME CNN trying their best to paint Kenya as a terror hotbed country #SomeoneTellCNN That KENYA is safe. LET TREND
— peter kipturu (@PeterKipturu) July 23, 2015
CNN and their negative reports on Africa
Many Africans can attest to the fact that CNN centres on the bad side of incidents in Africa. There are several instances which reveal that CNN’s reports on Africa are hardly factual. An example is putting Tanzania in place of Uganda on the Map of Africa.
#SomeoneTellCNN to be factual.They even don’t have any Idea where Tanzania is. pic.twitter.com/cqn0zm33Z6
— Duncan korir (@Kiplumet) July 23, 2015
Will CNN learn from this or should Africans expect more?