Wednesday, June 25, 2025 - The Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG) has condemned the Communications Authority of Kenya’s (CA) directive banning live coverage of the June 25th Gen Z protests, terming it unconstitutional and a direct assault on media freedom.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, KEG President Zubeidah
Kananu said the directive misinterprets Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution,
which guarantee freedom of expression and media independence.
“CA’s claim of acting under these articles is legally and
factually flawed.”
“These provisions protect expression, limiting only hate
speech, incitement, or propaganda - not responsible journalism,” she stated.
The Guild referenced a 2023 High Court ruling in Kenya
Editors’ Guild & Others v Communications Authority & Others, which
barred state interference in live broadcasts.
Kananu warned that CA’s move undermines judicial authority
and reopens the door to unlawful censorship.
KEG urged media houses to remain firm and consider legal
action if threatened.
“During civic unrest, the only crisis worse than protests is
the silencing of voices that report them,” Kananu added.
The Law Society of Kenya, the Police Reforms Working Group,
and the Kenya Medical Association also censured the directive, calling it a
violation of the Constitution and the November 2024 court ruling affirming that
only the Media Council of Kenya can regulate content.
The groups warned the ban jeopardizes emergency responses
and public safety, and they put CA and its CEO on notice of legal action if the
order is not rescinded by 4 p.m.
The order came after thousands of protestors stormed Nairobi
CBD to commemorate those killed during last year’s anti-finance bill protests.
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