Wamalwa Accuses Government of Hiding Military Plans Behind Broadcast Ban
Nairobi – Eugene Wamalwa has accused President William Ruto’s government of preparing to deploy the military under the cover of a state-ordered media blackout.
Speaking outside Parliament on Wednesday, Eugene Wamalwa said the administration is attempting to suppress public scrutiny during the Gen Z protest anniversary. He made the statement during a wreath-laying ceremony in honor of those killed in the June 25, 2024 protests.
“There is a reason the government wants darkness evil thrives in it,” Wamalwa said. “I suspect the blackout is a cover for military deployment.”
His warning came hours after the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) issued a directive to all broadcasters, ordering them to stop live coverage of nationwide demonstrations. The protests are being led by youth movements in memory of the more than 60 people who were shot and killed by police during last year’s protests against the Finance Bill.
Wamalwa claimed that military personnel have already been deployed at key locations, including Nyayo Stadium, and referenced an executive order issued last year that allows the President to deploy the military in internal operations.
“We know the military is in place,” he added. “This isn’t a guess. It’s a coordinated plan, and the blackout is meant to keep it hidden.”
Earlier in the day, opposition leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka, held a memorial mass at Holy Family Basilica. They then walked to Parliament in a peaceful procession. Police blocked access to the compound, which was encircled with razor wire and guarded by heavily armed officers.
The CA’s directive, signed by Director General David Mugonyi, warned that failure to comply could result in broadcasters being switched off or stripped of their licenses. The letter cited regulatory provisions but did not provide specific violations committed by the media.
“Failure to abide by this directive will result in regulatory action, including suspension or revocation of broadcasting licenses and disabling of transmission signals,” the CA warned.
Wamalwa, a former Defense Cabinet Secretary under President Uhuru Kenyatta, dismissed the CA’s legal justification. He said the order violates the constitutional right to free expression and independent journalism.
“Ruto wants silence so the world doesn’t see what’s happening. But Kenyans are watching, recording, and sharing,” Wamalwa said.
Security presence across Nairobi remained high throughout the day. Protesters attempted to march toward government buildings. In some areas, they were met with tear gas and water cannons. By early evening, the protests had spread to Nakuru, Kisumu, Eldoret, and Mombasa.
Rights groups have raised concerns that the CA’s directive opens the door to human rights violations, especially if state actions go unrecorded and unreported.
As the country marks the one-year anniversary of one of the deadliest protest crackdowns in recent history, Wamalwa’s remarks have sharpened public focus on the government’s response. So far, State House has not addressed the military deployment claims.
The Communications Authority maintains that broadcasters must act responsibly and avoid content that “incites public unrest.” However, the timing of the ban, coupled with growing tension, has fueled fears of a repeat of last year’s violence.
Kenyans across social media platforms continue to post footage and eyewitness accounts, bypassing traditional media restrictions. With streets still packed and the public on high alert, the situation remains fluid.
