The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) has added its voice to the growing condemnation of the move by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to shut down a section of media houses following their live coverage of the June 25 protests across the country.
In a statement signed by Secretary General Hezron Obaga, the party said the move was a direct assault on the freedom of the press and tantamount to state-sponsored censorship.
In a move that sparked renewed fears over media freedom in Kenya, the government abruptly shut down the K24 TV and Kameme TV broadcast signals, two stations owned by the MediaMax Network Limited, among other media outlets.
“The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) strongly condemns the government’s brazen decision to shut down several media houses broadcast signals following today’s countrywide protests. This act is a direct assault on the constitutional right to freedom of the press and amounts to state-sponsored censorship,” part of its statement read.
The party particularly revealed being perturbed by the conduct of security agencies, whom they castigated for blatant violation of human rights freedoms during the protests.
“Even more disturbing is the use of excessive force by security agencies, including the shooting and killing of unarmed demonstrators with live bullets. These are not just violations of human rights; they are criminal acts that must be accounted for,” its statement continued.
Accordingly, the party has demanded the immediate reinstatement of media operations of all media stations and an end to the police’s brutal response to protesters.
“As a party that believes in the rule of law, human dignity, and democratic freedoms, we call for an immediate end to police brutality and the unlawful use of live ammunition on peaceful demonstrators, the immediate restoration of all media operations and respect for press freedom as guaranteed under Article 34 of the Constitution and justice for the families who have lost loved ones at the hands of the very state meant to protect them,” the statement read in part.
“To the brave young Kenyans on the streets, to the journalists silenced for telling the truth, and to the families mourning tonight we see you, we stand with you, and we will not be silent.”
The sentiments from Rigathi Gachagua’s party come after key opposition figures also condemned the shutting down of the media houses following a directive from the Communication Authority against the live coverage of the protest witnessed during the first anniversary of the June 25, 2025, protest.
Former Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi condemned the Communications Authority over the directive to stop the airing of the Gen Z-led protests.
Through a statement on his X account on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, the politician termed the directive as unlawful and one that cannot stand.
In his assertion, Muturi, while referencing Article 33 of the Kenyan Constitution that guarantees every Kenyan the right to freedom of expression, claiming the directive contravenes the law.
“I have seen reports that the Communication Authority has banned live broadcasts on TV and radio. Let me be clear, this is a direct assault on our constitutional order and cannot stand. Article 33 of the Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to freedom of expression. Article 34 goes even further to safeguard the independence of the media, explicitly stating that the State shall not interfere with broadcasting or penalise anyone for their opinion or its dissemination,” part of his statement read.
Other leaders who criticised the shutdown include Wiper Democratic Movement Leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Chief Justice David Maraga.
