Media representation of terrorism: a study of the lived experiences of muslim religious scholars in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

This study investigated the lived experiences of Muslim religious scholars with regards to media representation of terrorism in Nairobi, Kenya, against the backdrop of extensive global media attention to terrorism. In spite of a growing body of knowledge on this subject, predominantly in Western contexts, a critical gap remains in understanding how media representation of terrorism affects Muslim communities, particularly, Muslim religious scholars, who are often central to the narratives surrounding Islam and terrorism. The purpose of the study was to explore the lived experiences of Muslim religious scholars regarding media representation of terrorism in Nairobi, Kenya, and how these experiences shape their perception of the media. The following were the research questions: What are the lived experiences of Muslim religious scholars on media representation of terrorism in Nairobi, Kenya? How do the lived experiences of Muslim religious scholars manifest? How do the lived experiences of Muslim religious scholars shape their perception of the media in Nairobi, Kenya? Phenomenology and Representation were used as the theories to structure the discussions around the lived experiences of the Muslim religious scholars in relations to media representation of terrorism. The study adopted the interpretive philosophical paradigm, hence the qualitative approach and the transcendental phenomenology method. The study involved 10 participants drawn from the community of Muslim religious scholars operating in six mosques and religious centers in Nairobi. The scholars were purposively sampled. The data was generated through in-depth interviews, analyzed thematically and presented in narrative form. The study found that Muslim religious scholars were of the view that the Kenyan media in Nairobi associated terrorism with the Islamic religion. The scholars were also of the view that the media stereotyped Muslims as terrorists or promoters of terrorism. These stereotypes had promoted Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiments, leading to fears of discrimination and hate crimes. As a result, the relations between the scholars and public officials, as well as with leaders of other religious groups, had strained. The scholars also faced frustration and difficulties in using the media to clarify their position since the negative perception towards the media had led to a disconnection between the Kenyan media in Nairobi and a large section of its Muslim consumers. The study concludes that Muslim religious scholars in Nairobi experience media representations of terrorism as not only misaligned with their faith and identity, but as a daily site of negotiation, resistance, and meaning-making in a contested public sphere. Therefore, it is recommended that media practitioners and policy makers formulate guidelines and practices on terrorism reporting that are more inclusive and understanding to the sensitivities and experiences of the Muslim community in Kenya. There is also need for training and awareness creation for journalists and media users to understand the unique place Muslims occupy in the fight against terrorism and to foster dialogue between the Muslim community and media stakeholders in Kenya