Citizen Tv has faced criticism online after one of the news articles from its digital platforms elicited sharp reactions from Kenyans.
This was after the station decided to run a controversial news article over the death of a gay penguin in Australia.
In the article, Citizen TV reported that the world is mourning the loss of Sphen, one-half of the iconic same-sex penguin couple that captured hearts globally. Sphen, a Gentoo penguin, passed away earlier this month at nearly 12 years old.
The station went ahead to report that the gay penguin’s partner, Magic, responded to the loss by singing, a poignant display that was soon echoed by the entire colony of 45 penguins at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.
Sphen and Magic gained international fame in 2018 when aquarium staff noticed the pair building a nest together. The staff gave the duo an egg to incubate, which they successfully nurtured, becoming a symbol of same-sex love and inspiring a float at Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade and a feature in the Netflix series Atypical.
Aquarium staff brought Magic to Sphen’s body, allowing him to understand the loss. Rachel Dilly, general manager at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, expressed gratitude for the global support and noted that the focus is now on helping Magic adjust as he prepares for his first breeding season without Sphen.
However, this story angered many Kenyans, who criticized the station for allegedly running an indecent news story. Many openly showed their disapproval of the news article, saying Kenya is a God-fearing nation and is governed by customs and traditions that strictly forbid LGBTQ.
Some wondered what had come of the station to report an indecent foreign behavior that has no place in African society.
“Why should a Kenyan big broadcasting station like citizen TV be reporting such really?”
“And this is the tv station that calls itself Kenyan number one tv station failyaaah”
“Astounding how the Devil is using the media in this nation to propagate his wicked agenda. God help your people,”
By Kenyans