Gov't bans live broadcast of June 25 Gen Z demos

By Newsflash Writer

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has issued a directive barring all television and radio stations from broadcasting live coverage of ongoing countrywide Gen Z demonstration.

The move, announced through an official statement signed by CA Director General David Mugonyi, has stirred widespread concern within the media and civil society over the state’s approach to public dissent and freedom of the press.

In the statement, the CA cited Articles 33(2) and 34(1) of the Constitution of Kenya, as well as Section 46I of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998, as the legal basis for the ban. According to the authority, the live airing of the demonstrations violates these provisions, although no specific details were provided on how the broadcasts would contravene the said laws.

“The live coverage of the June 25th, 2025 demonstrations are contrary to Articles 33(2) and 34(1) of the Constitution of Kenya and Section 46I of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998,” the directive stated.

In a firm tone, the CA ordered all broadcasters to halt any live transmission of the protests immediately. “This is therefore to direct all television and radio stations to stop any live coverage of the demonstrations forthwith,” the notice read. “Failure to abide by this directive will result in regulatory action as stipulated in the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998.”

No elaboration

The authority did not elaborate on what specific punitive measures would be applied, but emphasized that the directive was effective immediately and binding. The letter ended by expressing the Authority’s hope for continued cooperation from broadcasters.

The directive has already drawn criticism from several quarters, with some media stakeholders interpreting the move as an infringement on press freedom and the public’s right to information.

Critics argue that media coverage plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency during public protests, and that censorship could open the door to unaccounted rights violations.

The protests in question are part of a larger wave of public discontent over the Finance Bill 2024 last year, which led to over 60 deaths.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on how the media will respond to the ban—and whether the Communications Authority will follow through on its threat of sanctions.