NAIROBI, June 25, 2025 — The Kenya Media Sector Working Group (KMSWG) on Wednesday condemned a directive by the Communication Authority of Kenya ordering media houses to suspend live coverage of nationwide protests, calling the move unconstitutional and urging broadcasters to defy it.
The group said the directive violates Article 34 of the Constitution, which guarantees media freedom, and disregards a recent High Court ruling that affirmed the Media Council of Kenya as the sole regulator of broadcast content. The KMSWG asserted that the Communication Authority lacks legal authority to censor programming.
“Any claims of unprofessional conduct by the media should be addressed through lawful mechanisms outlined in the Constitution,” the group said in a joint statement. “By issuing such directives, the CA threatens both press freedom and the public’s right to access timely and accurate information.”
The statement also warned against any attempt to disrupt internet access, noting that digital communication is a protected right under Articles 33 and 35 of the Constitution, and vital to democratic participation.
In a related incident, the group condemned the police shooting of NTV journalist Ruth Sarmwei with a rubber bullet during protest coverage. “Acts of violence against journalists are unacceptable,” the statement said. “We call on security agencies to respect the rights of peaceful protesters and members of the press.”
The KMSWG called on all media outlets to reject the directive and continue regular broadcasting. “As journalists, we are committed to upholding professionalism and editorial independence. Shutting down the media only exacerbates national tensions,” the group said.
