Court suspends media protest coverage ban, cites threat to press freedom and constitutional rights

The High Court has issued a conservatory order suspending the Communications Authority of Kenya’s directive that barred all television and radio stations from airing live coverage of the June 25, 2025 demonstrations.

In his ruling, Justice Chacha Mwita stated that the orders will remain in effect pending the hearing and determination of the application and petition. He also directed that the pleadings be served immediately via email, citing the urgency of the matter.

"Any broadcasting signals that may have been switched off as a result of the referenced directive be restored with immediate effect, pending further orders of the court", the judge ruled.

The case, which has been filed by the Law Society of Kenya, will be mentioned on July 2.

Earlier, Rights groups demanded that the Communications Authority of Kenya withdraw its directive stopping live coverage of ongoing protests, calling the move unlawful and unconstitutional.

The demand was issued by the Law Society of Kenya, Kenya Medical Association, Amnesty International Kenya, Katiba Institute, Defenders Coalition, Independent Medico-Legal Unit, International Commission of Jurists (Kenya section), and the Social Justice Centres Working Group.

The CA had instructed media houses to halt live broadcasts, citing Article 33(2) of the Constitution, which limits expression involving war propaganda or incitement to violence.

Earlier court ruling

But in a joint statement, the groups said the directive disregards a 2024 court ruling that blocked similar interference with media content.

"This is not just unlawful. It is contempt of court and a threat to constitutional freedoms," said the organisations.

They also warned that internet shutdowns would breach conservatory court orders issued in 2023 in a case filed by the Kenya Editors' Guild.

"Live coverage helps people understand events as they unfold and reduces the risk of misinformation. Banning it creates an information vacuum and puts lives at risk," the statement read.

The groups noted that medical teams have already faced delays reaching injured protesters, bystanders, and police officers in need of emergency care during the demonstrations.

"Access to health services is now under threat," the organisations stated. "This violates Article 29, which guarantees personal safety."

Former Attorney General Justin Muturi also criticised the directive, calling it "unacceptable and unconstitutional".

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In a series of tweets on Wednesday, June 25, Muturi accused the authority of using national security as a pretext for censorship.