MCK condemns Communications Authority's broadcast ban, calls for immediate restoration of TV signals

A protester braves tear gas while holding the national flag in Nairobi during the June 25, 2025 protests. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

By Lucy Mumbi
Wednesday, June 25, 2025

MCK CEO David Omwoyo described the directive as an “unwarranted overreach” and praised broadcasters for upholding the 2025 Code of Conduct for Media Practice despite growing pressure.

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has sharply criticised the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) for ordering a suspension of live broadcasts during anti-government protests, branding the move an attack on press freedom and demanding the immediate reinstatement of all affected TV signals.

In a statement on Wednesday, MCK CEO David Omwoyo termed the directive an “unwarranted overreach” and lauded broadcasters for adhering to the 2025 Code of Conduct for Media Practice despite mounting pressure.

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The High Court in Milimani has since issued a conservatory order suspending the CA directive.

Justice Chacha Mwita found that the directive raised constitutional concerns and ordered that any disrupted signals be restored without delay.

He further directed that the court order be served via email, live television broadcasts, or publication in newspapers to ensure broad public awareness.

“A conservatory order is hereby issued suspending, with immediate effect, the directive Ref No. CA/CE/BC/TV90A, or any other directive issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya to all television and radio stations directing them to stop live coverage of the demonstrations of 25th June 2025, or any other demonstrations, until the hearing and determination of the application and petition,” reads the court order.

Smoke billows above Fig Tree building on Murang’a Road after protesters burned tires during the anti-government demonstrations in Nairobi on June 25, 2025. (Photo: Amina Wako)

Undisclosed security concerns

The CA had cited undisclosed security concerns for its decision, which has drawn sharp criticism from civil society and media watchdogs, accusing the government of undermining press freedom and denying the public access to crucial information.

While acknowledging that police and protesters had, in many instances, respected media freedom, MCK aligned itself with other media support organisations in opposing threats and actions aimed at silencing broadcasters.

The council insisted that isolated violent incidents during otherwise peaceful protests should not be blamed on the media.

“To ward off unnecessary speculation and misinformation caused by the absence of information, we call for the immediate reinstatement of the signals of media outlets that have been switched off, without further delay,” Omwoyo said.

Protesters march along the Treasury Square in Mombasa CBD on June 25, 2025. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

Constructive engagement

He called for calm and constructive engagement with the media, encouraging broadcasters to use strategic delays in reporting conflict while ensuring balanced national coverage.

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“The media shapes public discourse, and the MCK trusts journalists will continue to uphold integrity and professionalism. We remain committed to supporting a free, independent and responsible press in Kenya,” Omwoyo said.

The council also condemned violent attacks on members of the press, revealing that four journalists had been injured in the line of duty in Nairobi and Nakuru.

Omwoyo noted that such assaults on media practitioners are intolerable, “striking at the heart of press freedom and democratic values.”

“The media’s adherence to the MCK’s guidelines, issued on 24 June 2025, underscores their professionalism,” he said as he also praised Kenyan journalists for their steadfast commitment to ethical standards during coverage of the protests.

Nominated Senator Crystal Asige (in red T-shirt) joins protesters in Mombasa on June 25, 2025. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

State-sponsored torture

Further, the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) and the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) have warned the Kenyan government against a resurgence of state-sponsored torture and repression in response to the ongoing protests.

The organisations expressed alarm over reports of killings, abductions, and enforced disappearances during demonstrations, including the deaths of two protesters in Matuu, reportedly from gunshot wounds.

“These tactics, which were witnessed in last year’s protests, where 601 cases of police torture, 63 extrajudicial killings, and 63 enforced disappearances were recorded and have reemerged this year, have become a disturbing tool for suppressing dissent and targeting protest leaders,” they said.

According to IMLU’s recent report, "Silenced but Unbowed: Youth, Protests, and the Quest for Accountability in Kenya", individuals identified as protest leaders are being abducted by suspected security officers in unmarked vehicles, detained without charges or legal representation, and subjected to physical and psychological torture in inhumane conditions for extended periods in undisclosed locations.

A man stands next to burning tyres lit by protesters near Fig Tree building on Murang’a Road in Nairobi on June 25, 2025. (Photo: Barack Oduor)

OMCT and IMLU accused the government of failing to deliver justice a year after the 2024 protests, leaving survivors and human rights defenders vulnerable.

“Our organisations specifically warn the government of Kenya and its security forces of the possibility of judicial proceedings against individual officers for acts of torture and abuse,” they said.

The two rights groups called on authorities to immediately cease all acts of torture, enforced disappearances, and abductions targeting peaceful protesters, and to ensure that all detainees are treated under international human rights law.

They also demanded full accountability for all violations, the restoration of media freedom, and an end to the silencing of broadcasters like KTN and NTV.