Thread by @jchelagat

So I've been following this #WilkinsTheCon story unfold, and It's gotten me thinking quite a bit about the role of media in validating "questionable entrepreneurs".

NB: This thread is based on verified reporting of #WilkinsFadhili's activities; not online bashment.

I followed @RuthAmbogo's thread, noting that she used @StandardKenya's article to convince a friend that #WilkinsFadhili was legit...much like the multiple media reports were used to validate #HeshanDeSilva's fictitious claims.

#WilkinsTheCon

@BD_Africa, a publication I deeply respect, also featured him in the #Top40Under40 list...even @SafaricomPLC had him as a @BLAZEKenya mentor.

All these, especially the media coverage, aided #WilkinsFadhili drive his agenda...

#WilkinsTheCon

One of my #journalism profs once said, "Every source, and I mean EVERY SOURCE, has an agenda. It's your job as a journalist to decipher between the pitch and the story."

Easier said than done, esp in this #WilkinsFadhili case.

#WilkinsTheCon

Why? Well, a quick online search would return images of #WilkinsFadhili alongside his "star clients", links from reputable media outlets.

This is the weakness of desktop journalism, IMO. (And I say this knowing full well that I work in a digital news space).

#WilkinsTheCon

Back in 2015/2016, I remember a story in one of the outlets I worked for landed us in hot soup...and When I say hot soup I mean legal trouble.

#WilkinsTheCon #WilkinsFadhili #Journalism

A talented digital reporter noticed online buzz about a certain political newbie, & pitched a story with which had the potential to "go viral".

The sub on desk ran a quick online search, and the images seemed to back the story. We sought an interview.

#WilkinsTheCon #journalism

The interviewer gave an Oscar-worthy performance (look out @Lupita_Nyongo!), and the reporter was sold. Coming back from the assignment, she wrote a beautiful, entertaining and very inspiring story.

#Journalism #WilkinsTheCon

The political newbie had furnished the reporter with photos, documents and screenshots to back the story up. The reporter even had audio recordings (which the subject of the story was aware about).

Si hio ni fact-checking? Nope!

#Journalism #WilkinsTheCon

While the sub-editor on desk verified claims online and with some political individuals involved, she failed to confirm his assertions about his work for two firms in particular...(cue foreboding music).

#journalism #WilkinsTheCon

48 hours later, the digital team was served by a lawyer representing one of the firms. The politician had been using the firm's name to swindle unsuspecting Kenyans, and our viral story helped raise the legitimacy of his false claims, the lawyer said.

#journalism #WilkinsTheCon

What about the pictures of this person at firm events? Photos with the firm's leadership? Previous reporting? All lies. Well delivered, perfectly framed, and seemingly truthful.

Tukakubali makosa. Retraction pap!

#journalism #WilkinsTheCon

In this case, we were lucky that we were able to get feedback quickly & we took responsibility for our mistake. We used our platforms to highlight his fraud, but we still had egg on face.

Makosa ilifanyika.

#Journalism #WilkinsTheCon

When the dust settled, we had to ask serious questions about #factchecking processes in the digital newsroom. What constitutes facts online? Can I write an article off an IG post? Must I call before to verify?

#journalism #WilkinsTheCon

With people leading #FakeLives online, how do we report in a connected world? How do I avoid misleading my audience by disseminating fakeness on our platforms?

TBH, we didn't come up with a comprehensive guideline...it's an ongoing debate hadi leo.

#journalism #WilkinsTheCon

What remains true, however, is that our journalistic responsibility to VERIFY, VERIFY, VERIFY is even more important in this connected world.

Gatekeeping lazima.

#Journalism #DigitalJournalism #WilkinsTheCon

When we get it wrong, because we will inevitably do so form time to time, we should own up and play a part in cleaning our own mess.

We need to update our code of practice, and refine gatekeeping processes to match the realities of #DigitalJournalism.

#journalism