Editors Guild slams CA over live protest broadcast ban, terms it an affront to press freedom

The Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG) has criticised the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) over its directive banning live broadcast coverage of the ongoing Gen Z protests.

In a statement issued Wednesday, KEG termed the directive a gross violation of the Constitution and an affront to press freedom and public accountability.

The Guild also took issue with CA’s claim that the ban was grounded in Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution, arguing that the Authority’s interpretation was flawed.

“CA’s claim that it is acting under Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution is legally and factually flawed,” KEG President Zubeidah Kananu said.

“These provisions protect free expression, with clear limits only on hate speech, incitement, and propaganda, not on responsible journalism. Live, factual reporting by licensed media is not a threat, it’s a civic duty.”

KEG cited the 2023 High Court ruling in Kenya Editors’ Guild & Others v Communications Authority & Others, which barred the CA from interfering with live media broadcasts.

“The judgment reinforced that no government agency may impose prior restraint on the press. By ignoring this ruling, CA is actively undermining judicial authority and reopening the door to unconstitutional state censorship,” Kananu said.

The Guild urged the CA to rescind the directive immediately, comply with the 2023 court orders, and uphold the public’s right to real-time information through live reporting.

It also called on media houses to stand firm, report truthfully, and seek legal protection if threatened.

Further, KEG urged Parliament and the Judiciary to investigate CA’s conduct and enforce constitutional compliance.

The Guild warned that silencing live journalism threatens democracy, accountability, and public trust in institutions.

CA had earlier ordered all television and radio stations to cease live coverage of the June 25, 2025, protests.

In a directive dated June 25, CA Director General David Mugonyi cited violations of Articles 33(2) and 34(1) of the Constitution, as well as Section 461 of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998.

“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.