On January 30, 2018, the government of Kenya ordered an immediate suspension of live coverage during the swearing-in of Raila Odinga as the People’s President, who they viewed as defying the presidency of Uhuru Kenyatta.
The then Interior Cabinet Secretary, Fred Matiang’i, described the former Prime Minister’s swearing-in as a treasonous act.
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), acting on directives from the Ministry of Interior, shut down the free-to-air signals of three major independent broadcasters—Citizen TV, NTV, and KTN—as well as several radio stations owned by Royal Media Services, including Inooro TV.
This broadcast blackout began around 10:00 a.m. local time, coinciding with the start of the ceremony.
Govt Orders TV Shutdown Due to Coverage of Raila Odinga Swearing-in
The government justified this shutdown by claiming that live coverage could incite violence and potentially lead to “the death of thousands of innocent Kenyans.”
Thousands of supporters of the National Super Alliance (NASA) gathered at Uhuru Park, to witness Raila Odinga’s swearing-in. Despite earlier government warnings that the gathering was illegal, the event was largely peaceful with minimal police presence.
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Holding a Bible, Odinga took an oath administered by opposition MP Tom Kajwang and lawyer Miguna Miguna, stating, “I, Raila Omolo Odinga, do swear that I will protect the nation as people’s president, so help me God.”
The media blackout faced widespread criticism as a violation of press freedom and constitutional rights, drawing comparisons to the authoritarian era of former President Daniel Moi.
Court Orders for Restoration of Broadcast Signals
The Media Council of Kenya labeled the government’s actions as “outrageous” and called for respect for the constitution.
The day after Raila Odinga was sworn in as the People’s President at Uhuru Park, on January 31, 2018, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i announced that the affected media houses would remain off-air until investigations into individuals allegedly complicit in actions that could destabilize the country were completed.
Matiang’i described the event as a “well-choreographed attempt to subvert or overthrow the legally constituted government.”
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On February 1, 2018, activist Okiya Omtatah filed a lawsuit against the Communications Authority, leading to a High Court order by Judge Chacha Mwita for the restoration of the signals.
Despite this court ruling, the CA delayed compliance. NTV and KTN resumed broadcasting on paid platforms by February 5, while Citizen TV and Inooro TV were restored on February 8. All stations were fully back on free-to-air platforms by February 9, 2018., 2018.
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