Regime Must Restore Broadcast Rights in Line With the Constitution

The directive from the Communication Authority of Kena for media houses to stop live coverage of the 25th June protests is illegal, unconstitutional, and retrogressive.

This unilateral action is an attempt to suppress fundamental freedoms in Kenya, and forms part of the impunity and disregard for the rule of law that brought thousands of Kenyans onto the streets a year ago and again today.

Reports indicate that several media houses, among them Citizen TV, KTN and NTV, have confirmed the switching off of their broadcast signals.

Such draconian measures belong in a by-gone era, and not in a modern democratic society.

It is worth recalling that in the case of Kenya Editors Guild & Others v. Communications Authority of Kenya & Others (2023), the Court issued orders barring the Communications Authority from interfering with live media broadcasts.

The Court also held that such threats were unconstitutional and posed a serious danger to press freedom contrary to articles 34 and 35 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010.

History demonstrates that when the media is barred from broadcasting, it is that veil of darkness that paves the way for gross human rights violations.

We commend Kenyans for exercising their digital rights through citizen reporting and encourage them to continue to document events taking place around the country for posterity.

May peace prevail in Kenya.