CNN Boss Delivers Personal Apology to Uhuru Over 'Hotbed of Terror' Gaffe At State House

CNN has expressed deep regret for portraying Kenya as a 'hotbed of terror' ahead of a visit to Nairobi by US President Barack Obama in July.

Tony Maddox, the network's Global Executive Vice President and MD, flew to Nairobi from Atlanta to personally deliver the apology to President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday.

Maddox oversees CNN's global editorial policy, and manages CNN news content globally.


He admitted that the description of Kenya as a "hotbed of terror" was both ill fitting and undeserved.

"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," he 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."

Uhuru expressed his deep disappointment at the story on behalf of the government, and because it angered the people of Kenya.

He reiterated that the war on terror was a global threat, not exclusive to Kenya, and that KDF troops and citizens continue to make great sacrifices to keep the country and the region safe.

Uhuru added that CNN's misrepresentation of Kenya was unfortunate and ill timed, since it came at a critical moment in Kenya's history, and made a mockery of soldier's sacrifices.

"In one stroke, CNN's description of Kenya as a 'hotbed of terror' undermined the sacrifices made by our Kenyan troops, and the value of hundreds of lives lost, and relegated them to nothing," he said.

"That's why Kenyans, as expressed by those on Twitter, were so angry. Kenya is nothing like the countries that have real war. There was no reason to portray Kenya in that way."

Uhuru added that while he didn't expect Kenya to be showered in praise, it remained the duty of a credible press to stick to factual reporting and honest critique.

The CNN report was received with anger by Kenyans on Twitter, prompting a campaign under the hash tag, #SomeoneTellCNN.

It came in the wake of a similar gaffe by CNN before the general election of 2013, which also sparked a campaign across social media.

Kenya's news media is one of the most vibrant in Africa, and robust constitutional provisions protect the press.