The High Court in Nairobi has issued a conservatory order suspending the directive by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) that banned live television and radio coverage of ongoing protests.
The order, delivered by Justice Chacha Mwita on June 25, follows a petition filed by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) challenging the CA’s move.
The CA directive had instructed all broadcasters to halt live coverage of demonstrations taking place on June 25 and any future protests.
The Authority cited concerns over public order and safety, a move that sparked widespread criticism from media organizations and civil society, who argued it threatened press freedom and the public’s right to information.
In the court’s ruling, Justice Mwita stated: “I am satisfied that [the pleadings] raise fundamental constitutional questions touching on potential violation of the Bill Of Rights in the Constitution and freedom of the Media calling for intervention by this court.
“A conservatory order is hereby issued suspending, with immediate effect, the directive Ref No. CA/CE/BC/TV90A or any other directive issued by Communication Authority of Kenya to all television and radio stations directing them to stop live coverage of the demonstrations of 25th June 2025 or any other demonstrations, until the hearing and determination of the application and petition.”
The court further directed that any broadcasting signals that had been switched off as a result of the directive be restored immediately, pending further orders of the court.
The court directed all parties involved to file their responses within three days, with the next directions scheduled for July 2, 2025.
In underscoring the urgency and public interest in the matter, Justice Mwita allowed service of the order via email, live television broadcasts, or newspapers.
The development comes amid heightened tensions over the right to protest and the role of the media in covering public demonstrations.
The High Court’s intervention temporarily restores live coverage, pending a full hearing on the constitutionality of the CA’s directive.
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