Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli/SCREENGRABCotu boss Francis Atwoli has sharply criticised the Law Society of Kenya over its challenge to a directive banning live coverage of ongoing protests.
Atwoli rebuked the LSK for taking legal action against the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) following its contentious order.
CA withdrew the order on Thursday following a court order after LSK filed a petition.
Speaking at a public event in Nairobi, Atwoli defended the CA’s initial decision, arguing that halting live broadcasts served the national interest.
He dismissed the LSK’s court challenge as misguided and harmful to the country’s stability.
“The Communications Authority said, ‘Do not air this thing. It is not good for our country.’ Then people go to court to challenge the directive, saying it is unconstitutional. Challenging a government office,” Atwoli remarked.
Expressing frustration with judicial intervention, he added: “And in the evening, they get an order to say television and radio must continue as usual.”
According to Atwoli, the country’s image was at stake.
He cited reports indicating that investors were pulling out of Kenya due to ongoing unrest and negative international perception.
“They are relocating from Kenya to other places. We are losing investment to other countries,” he said.
“How do you walk smart and say, ‘I am from Kenya,’ when this is what people abroad are watching?”
Atwoli likened the live coverage of protests in Kenya to international broadcasts of unrest in countries like Iran and Israel, arguing it projected a damaging image of Kenya.
His remarks came shortly after the CA rescinded the directive that had prohibited broadcasters from airing live footage of protests.
In a notice issued on Thursday, CA Director General David Mugonyi announced the ban had been lifted “forthwith,” although no explanation was given for the abrupt reversal.
“The Authority appreciates your continued support and cooperation,” Mugonyi stated in a brief communication to all licensed broadcasters.
The CA’s reversal followed mounting legal and public pressure.
The Law Society of Kenya had moved to court, challenging the legality and constitutionality of the broadcast ban.
A High Court subsequently issued a temporary order suspending the directive, prompting the LSK to warn the CA against defying the court ruling.
