Let's avoid peddling lies on social media

The manner in which some bloggers are misusing social media to engage in character assassination is worrying.

It is saddening that some Kenyans are misusing these communication channels to malign the integrity of others and no action is being taken against them.

A case in point is a recent post on social media where an individual - in disregard of other people's right to privacy - wrote that Deputy President William Ruto was sick and had been admitted in a Turkey hospital.

It should be made clear that news is a perishable commodity and Kenyans are eager to hear what is happening in any part of the country, but bloggers have misused their tool to mislead Kenyans as portrayed in some of the terror attacks.

The right to information through social media does not mean spreading falsehoods, which is a criminal offence punishable by law.

It was wrong for social media platforms to portray Ruto as somebody of ill health when in fact he was busy building the nation.

The era of character assassination through information dissemination is long gone and Kenyans need to be told the truth.