Nairobi – Standard Group has condemned the Communications Authority of Kenya’s directive ordering an immediate stop to live broadcasts of the ongoing Gen Z protests. The media house declared the order illegal and said it violates constitutional rights and contractual obligations.
In a strongly worded statement released Wednesday, Standard Group said the CA’s instruction undermines both Section 33 and Section 34 of the Constitution, which protect freedom of expression and media independence.
“The order is illegal and directly contravenes the Constitution the supreme law of the land,” the company said in its official statement. “KICA 1998 does not grant the CA power to issue such directives.”
The media house also revealed that CA instructed signal carriers to shut down and deplatform any media outlet that continues to broadcast the demonstrations live. Standard Group warned that it would sue any signal distributor who takes such action without lawful cause.
“We will sue any signal carrier who switches our channels off air without explanation that can stand the scrutiny of the law, justice, fairness, and reason,” the statement read.
The company emphasized that it expects all contractual terms with signal carriers to be honored. Any breach, it warned, would lead to legal proceedings and demands for compensation.
“We expect contractual obligations to be observed in full. Any breach thereof would undoubtedly trigger pursuit of legal redress, including compensation for losses.”
The CA has not responded publicly to the backlash from media organizations, which began after it issued its directive to stop live protest coverage earlier in the week. The authority did not cite any specific law justifying its actions.
Standard Group is urging the regulator to withdraw its threat and return to lawful conduct. It called on the CA to regulate the media industry within the confines of the Constitution and principles of natural justice.
“We ask the CA to withdraw the threat and encourage it to conduct its regulatory role in accordance with the law of the land and that of natural justice.”
The statement was posted on Standard Group’s official platforms amid nationwide protests that have drawn large crowds, mostly young people, expressing dissatisfaction with the government and economic conditions. The demonstrations, which mark the anniversary of last year’s anti-Finance Bill protests, have intensified calls for transparency and accountability.
The media blackout threat has sparked wider concerns about press freedom and constitutional violations in the country. Legal experts have said the CA’s move could set a dangerous precedent for state censorship.
Standard Group said it would continue to broadcast in the public interest, standing firm on its responsibility to inform citizens in real time.
“As we continue broadcasting in the public interest, we remain committed to the truth, the law, and the people of Kenya.”
