The Kenyan government on Wednesday issued a directive banning live television and radio coverage of anti-government protests, triggering outrage among journalists, civil rights groups, and citizens marking the somber anniversary of last year’s deadly demonstrations.
In a statement released by the Communications Authority of Kenya, broadcasters were instructed to “stop any live coverage of the demonstrations forthwith,” citing alleged violations of constitutional guidelines. The protests, held to commemorate the one-year anniversary of mass action against rising living costs and economic hardship, quickly escalated as police clashed with demonstrators in cities across the country.
The protests were initially peaceful but turned chaotic as riot police deployed tear gas and erected barbed wire barricades around key government buildings. Protesters responded with chants and stone-throwing in scenes reminiscent of the 2023 demonstrations, which left over 60 people dead.
Despite the ban, several major media outlets continued to air live coverage, defying what many described as a government attempt to silence dissent.
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The Standard Group, one of Kenya’s leading media organizations, called the directive an act of censorship.
“This is an attempted news blackout,” the company said in a statement. “We will not be silenced. We have also received information that signal carriers have been instructed to deplatform media houses broadcasting live.”
The group noted that similar threats were issued during the height of the 2024 protests, when the government was accused of using media suppression as a tactic to stifle public outcry.
The directive drew swift condemnation from local and international rights organizations. Amnesty Internationalcriticized the media blackout as a violation of press freedom and public interest.
“Silencing the press is not the solution,” the organization said. “Kenyans have a right to know what’s happening in their country, especially during times of national unrest.”
Online, Kenyans expressed frustration and concern, with many accusing the government of regressing on democratic values and transparency.
The protests mark a turbulent year since Kenya’s cost-of-living crisis triggered widespread anger and led to a violent government crackdown in 2023. While no official death toll has been confirmed for this year’s protests, reports from civil society groups suggest that clashes between demonstrators and police have already led to several injuries.
For now, media houses are holding their ground, with journalists across platforms pledging to continue reporting on the demonstrations in real time.
As tensions remain high, all eyes are on how the government responds to growing demands for accountability and how far it’s willing to go to control the narrative.
