Nation Media Group (NMG) has condemned the unconstitutional shutdown of NTV’s broadcast signal by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).
The switch-off, followed by an advisory urging media houses to stop live coverage of ongoing anti-government protests, was carried out without due process.
According to NMG, the move is a violation of Article 34(2) of the Constitution, which protects media freedom and bars state interference in broadcasting.
The company also cited a High Court ruling confirming that CA has no authority to regulate broadcast content, a role constitutionally assigned to the Media Council of Kenya.
Moreover, it has called the shutdown a suppression of press freedom.
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Stay with us for verified developments from Nairobi CBD and across the country.
4:50 PM: Large crowds of protesters from across Nairobi march toward Uhuru Gardens.
3:52 PM: Nation Media Group announces that the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has shut down its broadcast signal.
3:30 PM: Demonstrators have dragged sculptures from Uhuru Park to Kenyatta Avenue. The sculptures include a majestic elephant, a lion, and a charging Rhino.
3:25 PM: Tensions escalate in Kikuyu Town after protesters set fire to the Kikuyu Law Courts, lighting bonfires inside both the sub-county and county government offices.
2:32 PM: Nakuru NTV journalist shot in the leg by police.
2:20 PM: The Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG) has condemned the Communications Authority of Kenya’s directive banning live coverage of the ongoing Gen Z protests, calling it a blatant violation of the Constitution and a direct attack on press freedom.
Further, it has dismissed CA’s justification under Articles 33 and 34 as legally flawed, arguing that these provisions protect free expression and only restrict hate speech, incitement, and propaganda, not factual, responsible journalism by licensed media.
The Guild is demanding the immediate withdrawal of the directive, respect for court orders, protection of the public’s right to information, and accountability for CA’s actions through parliamentary and judicial oversight.
1:54 PM: Standard Media Group has stated that further reports suggest signal carriers have been instructed to deplatform any station broadcasting live protest footage.
Standard Group is currently consulting legal experts to determine the constitutionality of the order, which it says risks plunging the country into a dangerous news blackout.
Until the legal position is confirmed, Standard Group says it will continue broadcasting in the public interest. The company also noted that this is not the first time such threats have been made, referencing similar actions during the 2024 Finance Bill protests that saw demonstrators storm Parliament.
1:10 PM: Meanwhile, the Communications Authority of Kenya has ordered all television and radio stations to immediately cease live coverage of the ongoing June 25 anniversary protests.
1:05 PM: In Mombasa, private security guards have stepped in to rescue a police officer who had found himself surrounded by protesters.
The officer, who was part of a team trying to disperse the crowd, was reportedly isolated and at risk of being overwhelmed when the guards quickly moved in to shield him and escort him to safety.
12:55 PM: One person has been shot dead and several others injured during the ongoing protests in Matuu Town, Machakos County.
12:32 PM: In Kiambu Town, groups of youth are streaming onto the main Kiambu Road, heading towards Nairobi to join Kenyans already participating in the ongoing Gen Z-led demonstrations.
12:30 PM: Only a handful of MPs were present in the chambers, forcing the Speaker to call off the session shortly after it began.
Moreover, the disruption comes on the anniversary of the June 25, 2024, storming of Parliament.
11:37 AM: Tension rising in Eldoret City after suspected goons were spotted carrying batons as anti-government protests kicked off.
Their presence has sparked fear among peaceful demonstrators and residents who are lamenting over potential infiltration meant to disrupt the protest and provoke violence.
Also Read: Faith Odhiambo Teaches Kenyans What to Do When Arrested During Protests
Catch Earlier Urgent Updates
Earlier, the National Assembly was forced to adjourn its Wednesday, June 25, sitting prematurely after failing to meet the required quorum.
This comes as widespread protests continue in Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).
Kenyans across the country are taking to the streets once again as the Gen Z-led movement stages fresh protests demanding government accountability, economic reforms, and an end to police brutality.
Protests have spilled into towns and cities, with Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, and Nakuru among the hotspots witnessing growing crowds and rising tension.
On the other hand, the Standard Media Group pushed back against a directive from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) ordering all media houses to stop live coverage of the ongoing anti-government protests.
According to a statement from the media group, its outlets, including KTN, Radio Maisha, Spice, and Berur, had not officially received the order, confirmations from other media editors.
Further, Standard has revealed reports of signal carriers being instructed to deplatform broadcasters, raising alarm over a potential media blackout.
Also, the Nakuru Journalists Association announced the shooting of NTV journalist Ruth Sarmwei, who was hit by a rubber bullet while covering protests.
Although the bullet did not lodge in her leg, the impact caused her significant pain. She received first aid at Valley Hospital and is currently recuperating.
The Association is relieved that Ruth is safe and has arranged for her to access professional therapy to aid her physical and emotional recovery.
Further, the Association has noted that the shooting may have deepened the trauma she and others have been enduring. In response, support structures, including access to therapy and counselling, are being put in place to ensure that affected journalists are not left to cope alone.#
The Association has also called on any media personnel feeling overwhelmed to seek support.
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