Gov't orders TV, radio stations to stop live broadcasting of ongoing countrywide protests
The authority referenced Article 33(2) and Article 34(1) of the Constitution, as well as Section 46I of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998.
The government has ordered all television and radio stations to immediately stop live coverage of the ongoing Gen Z-led demonstrations, in a move that has drawn concern over media freedom and access to information.
In a directive issued on Wednesday by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK), the media houses were warned against broadcasting the June 25 protests in real-time, citing constitutional and legal grounds.
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The authority referenced Article 33(2) and Article 34(1) of the Constitution, as well as Section 46I of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998.
“This is therefore to direct all television and radio stations to stop any live coverage of the demonstrations forthwith. Failure to abide by this directive will result in regulatory action,” the statement read.
The directive was signed by David Mugonyi, the Director General of the Communications Authority, who reminded media houses of their obligations under existing broadcasting laws.
It came as protests escalated in various parts of the country, with youth pouring into the streets in a mass movement to commemorate victims of last year’s anti-Finance Bill protests.
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