NAIROBI — The High Court has halted a directive by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) that blocked NTV, KTN, and K24 media stations from airing live coverage of nationwide protests, citing potential constitutional violations.
Justice Chacha Mwita issued the order on Wednesday, instructing immediate restoration of any broadcast signals interrupted following the ban. The directive came as protests marking the first anniversary of the deadly 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations gripped major cities. At least 12 people were confirmed dead and over 300 injured by nightfall.
Justice Mwita described the petition, filed by the Law Society of Kenya, as raising “serious constitutional questions” about freedom of the press and public access to information. He ruled, “A conservatory order is hereby issued suspending, with immediate effect, the directive by the Communication Authority to stop live coverage of the June 25 demonstrations or any other protests.”
He warned that failure to comply with the ruling would carry legal consequences. The CA and other named parties have until June 29 to respond. Further directions will be issued on July 2.
Broadcasts Signals Pulled
The CA directive, issued earlier that day by Director General David Mugonyi, warned media houses that airing live protest coverage violated sections of the Constitution and the Kenya Information and Communications Act. Mugonyi claimed the broadcasts could “incite public disorder” and threatened license revocation for non-compliance.
Within hours, NTV, KTN, and K24 reported that their free-to-air signals had been cut. Staff members said CA officials accessed transmission sites in Limuru to disable broadcasts.
The shutdown sparked immediate criticism from legal experts and journalists. Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga called the move “unlawful and regressive,” and the Kenya Editors’ Guild condemned it as a clear attempt to stifle the public’s right to real-time information.
Protests turn deadly
Demonstrations erupted across Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisii, Nyeri, Eldoret, Nakuru, Naivasha, and other towns. Protesters marched to commemorate the 2024 crackdown that left 64 people dead. Crowds demanded economic reforms, police accountability, and an end to state repression.
By evening, hospitals in Nairobi and other regions were overwhelmed. Kenyatta National Hospital confirmed receiving multiple patients with gunshot wounds. Deaths were reported in Ngara, Molo, Embakasi, Kikuyu, Juja, and Ongata Rongai. In Molo, a 17-year-old form three student was fatally shot resulting in death. In Nairobi, Kenya Power guard Fred Wamale Wanyonyi was killed outside Stima Plaza.
Protesters blocked roads, lit fires, and clashed with riot police. In Nairobi’s central business district, they attempted to breach barriers near Parliament and State House. Officers responded with tear gas and live ammunition. Chants of “Ruto Must Go!” echoed through the streets.
Ruto urges calm, Right Groups Demand Accountability
President William Ruto, in a televised address, called for calm and urged protesters to refrain from violence. “Let us uphold peace and avoid destruction,” he said.
But human rights groups reported police using excessive force in multiple counties, accusing security officers of violating both Kenyan law and international standards on crowd control.
The High Court’s ruling is seen as a legal check on government overreach during moments of crisis. As protests continue, demonstrators say they will not back down until justice is served and fundamental rights are upheld.
The situation remains tense, and nationwide demonstrations are expected to persist into the coming days.
