CNN apologises for calling Kenya ‘hotbed of terror’

Cable News Network (CNN) has apologised to Kenya over “ill-fitting” comments made against the country by the American basic cable and satellite television channel.

Prior to President Barack Obama’s visit to the country, the CNN aired a report labeling Kenya a “hotbed of terror”, which led to angered expressions from Kenyans on Twitter (KOT).

In turn, they drove a campaign under the hashtag #SomeoneTellCNN.

The CNN has however expressed its regrets for the damaging comment.

The apology was conveyed during a visit by Tony Maddox, CNN’s global executive vice president and managing director, to President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“We acknowledge there is a widespread feeling that the report annoyed many, which is why we pulled down the report as soon as we noticed,” Maddox said.

“It wasn’t a deliberate attempt to portray Kenya negatively, it is regrettable and we shouldn’t have done it. There is a world at a war with extremists; we know what a hotbed of terror looks like, and Kenya isn’t one.”

Kenyatta was quick to convey the apology to Kenyans on Twitter, who were in the front-line of the campaign.

“(Maddox) delivered an apology on behalf of @cnni and expressed deep regret after portraying Kenya as a hotbed of terror,” Kenyatta Tweeted.

“He admitted that the description of Kenya as a ‘hotbed of terror’ was both ill-fitting and undeserved. I reiterated that the war on terror was a global threat not exclusive to Kenya & that Kenya’s troops & her people have made great sacrifices.”

“In one stroke, @cnn’s description undermined the sacrifices made by our troops and the value of lives lost, and relegated them to nothing.

“That’s why Kenyans, as expressed by #KOT, were so angry. There was no reason to portray Kenya in that way.”