Journalists injured, broadcasters shut down as Kenyan authorities ban coverage
PICTURE: Journalists protest against attacks on press freedom in Kenya/Kenya Union of Journalists
Committee to Protect Journalists
Nairobi
The CPJ is alarmed by Kenyan authorities’ Wednesday ban on live coverage of deadly protests, in which at least two journalists were injured, and at least three broadcasters shut down.
Protesters took to the streets in most of Kenya’s 47 counties to mark the one-year anniversary of anti-tax demonstrations, in which at least 60 people were killed in 2024.
Several people were killed in Wednesday’s violence.
‘Restricting protest coverage sends a clear message that President William Ruto’s government is not committed to democratic values or the constitutional freedoms he has vowed to protect,’ said CPJ Regional Director Angela Quintal. ‘Authorities must investigate attacks on journalists, ensuring accountability, rescind the ban on live coverage, and desist from further censorship.’
In a directive, reviewed by CPJ, the Communications Authority of Kenya ordered ‘all television and radio stations to stop any live coverage of the demonstrations’ or face unspecified ‘regulatory action’
The information technology regulator cited constitutional provisions that prevent freedom of expression involving ‘propaganda for war’ and ‘incitement to violence’.
Police and the Communications Authority then switched off the broadcast signal of several privately owned media houses, including NTV, K24 and KTN, which continued to share content online and on social media.
Civil society organisations including the Kenya Editors’ Guild challenged the ban, citing a November High Court ruling that the Communications Authority did not have the constitutional mandate to set or enforce media standards.
Late Wednesday, the Law Society of Kenya secured High Court orders, reviewed by CPJ, directing broadcast signals to be restored immediately.
NTV reporter Ruth Sarmwei was treated in hospital after being hit on the leg by an unknown projectile while interviewing protestors in the city of Nakuru, Joseph Openda, chairperson of the Nakuru Journalists Association, told CPJ. Standard Media Group said its photojournalist David Gichuru was ‘struck by a stone hurled by a protestor’ in the capital, Nairobi.
CPJ’s requests for comment via email to the Communications Authority of Kenya and via messaging app to its director general David Mugonyi did not receive replies.
Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga declined to comment by phone.
- This article was first published here
