Communications Authority Bans Live Coverage of June 25 Protests, Warns Broadcasters of Penalties
Nairobi – The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has issued a directive halting live broadcast of the June 25 protest coverage across all television and radio stations. The order came as nationwide demonstrations marked the anniversary of the deadly 2024 protests.
In an official circular dated June 25, CA Director General David Mugonyi cited violations of specific constitutional provisions and regulatory laws. According to the statement, live coverage of the protests breaches Articles 33(2) and 34(1) of the Constitution and Section 46I of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998.
“This is therefore to direct all television and radio stations to stop any live coverage of the demonstrations forthwith,” Mugonyi wrote.
The Authority warned that broadcasters who ignore the directive would face disciplinary action, including possible license suspension or revocation.
“Failure to abide by the directive will result in regulatory action as stipulated under the Kenya Information and Communications Act,” Mugonyi stated.
The order comes amid heavy police deployment across major towns, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru, where youth-led protests are underway. Demonstrators are marking one year since security forces killed more than 60 people during anti-Finance Bill protests in 2024.
The decision to block live coverage has drawn criticism from civil society groups, who say the move undermines the public’s right to information. The Kenya Editors’ Guild has also issued a separate statement condemning the blackout as unconstitutional.
As of this publication, no broadcast station has reported defying the directive. Media watchdogs are closely monitoring the situation for any enforcement actions by the Authority.
The CA has not clarified whether the ban extends to digital platforms, which continue to carry live footage through citizen journalism and mobile streaming.
