June 26, 2025
Nairobi, Kenya — The Kenyan government faced a storm of criticism Thursday from journalists and international human rights groups following a temporary media blackout imposed during the nationwide protests on June 25. The blackout, which halted live broadcasts across several major news networks, was later overturned by Nairobi’s High Court in an emergency ruling hailed as a victory for press freedom.
The Communications Authority of Kenya had ordered media houses to cease live transmission of the protests, citing national security concerns. Major networks, including NTV, Citizen TV, and KTN News, went off-air for several hours before the court intervened and restored their signals. The decision to suspend coverage drew swift backlash from media watchdogs and press freedom advocates.
One of the most vocal critics was the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA), which labeled the move “a violation of constitutional rights and a dangerous precedent for censorship.” The organization urged the government to respect the role of an independent press, especially during national crises.
“Shutting down live coverage during mass demonstrations only fuels public mistrust and violates the core principles of democracy,” WAN-IFRA said in a statement.
The blackout coincided with widespread unrest across more than 26 counties, where peaceful protests spiraled into violent confrontations, looting, and arson. Businesses in Nairobi, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret reported significant losses, with some storefronts burned and inventories destroyed.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the destruction of property and described the unrest as “terrorism disguised as dissent.” He warned that those caught looting—many of whom were recorded on CCTV—would face swift prosecution. His remarks, however, have sparked concern among civil society groups who fear the government may use the violence as justification for a wider crackdown on dissent.
The shutdown of media coverage during such a critical moment has reignited debate over the limits of state power and the fragility of press freedom in Kenya. Critics argue that live reporting plays a crucial role in documenting abuse, protecting protester rights, and holding authorities accountable.
As tensions remain high, journalists, human rights defenders, and opposition leaders continue to call for transparency, lawful policing, and the protection of constitutional rights. The battle for Kenya’s democratic space, they argue, extends far beyond the streets—and into the nation’s airwaves and courtrooms.
