Kenyan authorities on Wednesday imposed a sudden ban on live media coverage of nationwide protests commemorating the one-year anniversary of deadly anti-tax demonstrations, drawing sharp criticism from press freedom advocates and civil society groups. The protests turned violent in several parts of the country, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries, including to at least two journalists.
Protesters gathered in nearly all of Kenya’s 47 counties to mark one year since the 2024 anti-tax protests, during which at least 60 people were killed. On Wednesday, security forces used teargas and forceful dispersal tactics in the capital Nairobi and other cities, with several new fatalities reported.
The Communications Authority of Kenya issued a directive ordering all radio and television stations to halt live coverage of the demonstrations or face unspecified “regulatory action.” The directive, reviewed by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), invoked constitutional clauses prohibiting freedom of expression that constitutes “propaganda for war” or “incitement to violence.”
Authorities subsequently took several major broadcasters off air, including NTV, K24, and KTN. While their terrestrial signals were disabled, these stations continued reporting online and through social media platforms.
Don’t miss any more news by subscribing to our Telegram channel
And our Facebook page
The CPJ and other press freedom organizations strongly condemned the move.
“Restricting protest coverage sends a clear message that President William Ruto’s government is not committed to democratic values or the constitutional freedoms he has vowed to protect,” said Angela Quintal, CPJ’s Regional Director for Africa. “Authorities must investigate attacks on journalists, ensure accountability, rescind the ban on live coverage, and desist from further censorship.”
Journalists were not spared the violence. NTV reporter Ruth Sarmwei was hospitalized after being struck in the leg by an unidentified projectile while interviewing demonstrators in Nakuru. In Nairobi, photojournalist David Gichuru of Standard Media Group was injured after being hit by a stone thrown by a protester, according to the company.
Civil society organizations, including the Kenya Editors’ Guild, challenged the media ban, citing a November 2023 High Court ruling that concluded the Communications Authority lacks the constitutional mandate to regulate editorial content or media standards.
Later in the day, the Law Society of Kenya successfully secured a High Court order requiring the immediate restoration of affected broadcast signals. As of Wednesday evening compliance with the court order remained unclear.
CPJ said its attempts to seek comment from the Communications Authority of Kenya and its Director General David Mugonyi were unsuccessful. Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga declined to respond to inquiries.
The government’s latest actions have intensified fears about growing censorship and authoritarianism under the Ruto administration, particularly as media and civil liberties continue to face mounting pressure amid ongoing economic and political unrest.
Source CPJ
Emebet Asefa, correspondent
Addis Abeba, Ethiopia
