In Summary
- The ban comes amid widespread protests led by Gen Z demonstrators marking the anniversary of the June 25, 2024, anti-Finance Bill protests, which saw dozens killed and scores injured.
- Thousands of protesters have flooded the streets in Nairobi and several other towns across Kenya, calling for police accountability, justice for victims of last year’s protests, and broader governance reforms
Nation Media Group’s NTV and Standard Media Group’s KTN went off-air Wednesday afternoon after officials from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) allegedly stormed the Limuru signal transmission centre, enforcing a controversial ban on live coverage of the ongoing June 25 demonstrations across the country.
The move follows a directive issued earlier today by CA Director General David Mugonyi, ordering all television and radio stations to cease live broadcasts of the Gen Z-led protests, citing alleged violations of Kenya’s Constitution and broadcast laws.
“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 46I of the Kenya Information and Communications Act,” stated the CA in a strongly-worded directive.
The authority warned of “regulatory action” against any media house defying the directive. Moments later, both NTV and KTN signals went dark in what appears to be a targeted enforcement against major broadcasters.
CA’S BLACKOUT ORDER CONDEMNED BY MEDIA AND CIVIL RIGHTS BODIES
The Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG) sharply condemned the directive, terming it “legally and factually flawed.” In a statement issued by KEG President Zubeidah Kananu, the Guild accused the CA of violating press freedom and disregarding a 2023 High Court ruling which prohibited government interference in live broadcasts.
“By ignoring this ruling, CA is actively undermining judicial authority and reopening the door to unconstitutional state censorship,” said Kananu.
KEG emphasized that Articles 33 and 34 protect freedom of expression and editorial independence, calling on media houses to resist intimidation and seek legal redress where necessary.
WIDER BACKLASH FROM LAW SOCIETY, DOCTORS, RIGHTS GROUPS
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the Police Reforms Working Group, and the Kenya Medical Association joined KEG in censuring the CA’s move. In a joint statement, the organisations warned that the blackout order:
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Contravenes Article 34 and standing court orders issued in November 2024, which declared prior state censorship illegal.
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Threatens public safety, especially as emergency responders rely on real-time coverage for situational awareness.
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Chills civic freedoms, and sets a dangerous precedent for misuse of state authority.
“Live broadcasts serve a crucial role in a democratic society… They deter the spread of misinformation and excessive use of force by ensuring transparency,” the statement read.
The civil groups gave the Communications Authority until 4:00 PM EAT to rescind the directive, warning of imminent legal action. They also cautioned that any attempt to shut down internet services would breach conservatory court orders currently in effect.
DEMONSTRATIONS CONTINUE NATIONWIDE AMID INFORMATION FREEZE
The blackout coincides with large-scale demonstrations in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, and Nyeri, marking one year since the June 25, 2024, anti-Finance Bill protests that left dozens dead and hundreds injured.
This year’s protests—largely organised by youth and student movements—call for police accountability, justice for victims, and broad democratic reforms.
With major broadcasters silenced and the threat of further state action looming, civil society groups are warning that Kenya risks slipping into a media repression crisis not seen since the early 2000s.
“During moments of civic unrest, the only crisis greater than the protest itself is the silencing of the voices that tell its story,” said KEG President Kananu.
PRIME AFRICA STANDS WITH PRESS FREEDOM
As a regional media platform committed to truth, transparency, and the public’s right to know, Prime Africa joins calls for the immediate restoration of broadcast services and urges all stakeholders to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law.
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