The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has ordered all
television and radio stations to cease live coverage of the ongoing June 25,
2025, demonstrations across the country.
In a directive dated June 25, CA Director General David
Mugonyi cited violations of Articles 33(2) and 34(1) of the Constitution, along
with Section 461 of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998, as
grounds for the ban.
“The live coverage of the June 25, 2025 demonstrations is
contrary to Articles 33(2) and 34(1) of the Constitution of Kenya and Section
461 of the Kenya Information and Communications Act,” the statement read.
The Authority warned that failure to comply with the
directive would attract regulatory action in accordance with the law.
“All television and radio stations are directed to stop any
live coverage of the demonstrations forthwith. Failure to abide by this
directive will result in regulatory action as stipulated,” it added.
The ban comes amid widespread protests led by Gen Z
demonstrators marking the anniversary of the June 25, 2024, anti-Finance Bill
protests, which saw dozens killed and scores injured.
Thousands of protesters have flooded the streets in Nairobi
and several other towns across Kenya, calling for police accountability,
justice for victims of last year’s protests, and broader governance reforms.
The directive is likely to spark criticism from press
freedom advocates and opposition leaders who view it as a clampdown on media
independence and public access to real-time information during a national
crisis.
This is the first time that CA has openly ordered a stop to
live coverage of protests across the country.
Last year, Kenyans enjoyed wall-to-wall coverage of the anti-government protests without government sponsorship.
