EXPLAINER: How to spot fake news

 That Machakos Governor Dr Alfred Mutua fell prey to fake news, no one is completely safe.

Mutua is a veteran journalist, a former government spokesperson and a holder of doctorate degree in Communications.

Without confirming with key sources, he shared on Twitter and Facebook that Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s wife Mama Pauline Musyoka had died.

He later apologized but the damage was already done owing to the anxiety his post generated.

Here are pointers to flagging a fake news post on Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp.

a)Get news from the news sources in the first place

The Machakos Governor admitted not having confirmed with the Wiper leader or his close circles. He said he had fallen prey to misinformation and hoax “from several players, some, seemingly credible and close to H.E. Kalonzo”.

b)Google It!

Peruse through reputable media houses websites to see if the news was published recently. Also check social media pages of close news sources to the story at hand. Examine what they say.

Mwingi Times checked Mutua’s story and it was not picked by any respectable media house. Flag.

© Fact Check

Check who has been quoted and if they have authority saying of what they have shared.

 (d)Evaluate

Check if the news is:

§  Current- When was the story published?

§  Relevance- Is the news shared important to the readers?

§  Authority- Who is the author/publisher/sponsor of the news?

§  Accurate-Is the piece of information supported by evidence?

§  Purpose: What is the purpose of news shared? To inform/sell/campaign or a call to action?

In December last year, a local newspaper ran a story indicating that Mr Boniface Mwaniki, a Mwingi-based reporter had died in the Enziu river tragedy. It later apologised.

STORY By MUSYOKA NGUI, EDITED By BONIFACE MWANIKI