Nairobi Terror Attack: Kenyans Call for Deportation of New York Times Editor

Kenyans have taken to social media to express disappointment and anger at the New York Times editorial team which shared the photos of victims killed during the terrorist attack in Nairobi yesterday.

The article showed sensitive photos of dead bodies which could be recognized. Observers felt these were wrong images to share online by such a reputable media outlet because they could have devastating effects on the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.

The New York Times also published photos of lifeless bullet-ridden bodies who were among causalities of the attack – something Kenyans say is unacceptable and unprofessional.

They have called on their government to deport the NYT East Africa bureau chief, Kimiko de Freytas-Tamura with immediate effect for failing to curb the unethical reportage.

The conversation and call for sanctions on the New York Times and its East Africa bureau chief are trending on social media with the hashtags #SomeoneTellNYTimes and #deportkimiko, the angry citizens have also called for the intervention of international communities on the matter.

Reacting to the calls, The New York Times has released an official statement which read:

“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.”

News broke yesterday of a terrorist attack at the seven-story DusitD2 Hotel in Kenya’s capital of Nairobi which claimed at least 14 lives. The area which was rocked by explosions and rapid gunfire is considered to be one of the most secure areas in the country.

The Somalia based Al-Shabab militant group which has links to Al-Qaeda have claimed responsibility for the attacks.

As at the time of this report, the photos were still on the New York Times article despite the statement released by the media agency.

Header Image Credit: ABC News