CA boss Mugonyi applauded for 'patriotism under pressure' amid broadcast ban backlash

Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) Director General David Mugonyi has continued to receive praise even as criticism mounts over his decision to suspend live broadcast coverage during last Wednesday’s protests.

The move, which drew immediate backlash from a section of the public and media stakeholders, has now received strong backing from senior government figures, including the Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Dennis Itumbi.

In a statement shared online, Itumbi hailed Mugonyi for what he termed as a "courageous and patriotic decision" taken in the national interest.

“Mugonyi had to make a decision. When others chased chaos for clout, he chose country over cameras. When others chose hashtags and retweets, he chose to click subscribe on +254,” Itumbi said.

Labeling the decision as an act of “patriotism under pressure,” Itumbi insisted that Mugonyi was not suppressing press freedom but safeguarding national stability. 

"That’s not censorship. It is courage. No Kenya, no newsroom. No country, no press freedom,” he added.

While acknowledging the backlash, Itumbi urged Mugonyi to remain firm in future moments of national tension.

“Please, ndugu Mugonyi, if such a moment presents again, do not shy from choosing Kenya again. Every time. All the time,” he wrote.

He further took on some outlets for allegedly fueling tensions rather than informing the public.

Despite the sharp public debate, Itumbi maintained that Mugonyi’s action mirrored decisions taken by other governments facing similar unrest and should be viewed through a patriotic lens.

In a directive dated June 25, 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 CA later lifted the ban following a court order that suspended the directive.

"A conservatory order is HEREBY ISSUED, suspending, with immediate effect, the DIRECTIVE Ref No. CA/CE/BC/TV90A, or any other directive issued by the Communications 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," reads the court order.

Justice Chacha Mwita further directed that any broadcasting signals that may have been switched off following the implementation of the directive be restored without delay.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has also defended the move, noting it was necessary, adding "it was in best interest of the country".