With public criticism mounting against Communication Authority Chairman David Mugonyi following the controversial move to shut down live media coverage during the Gen Z commemoration protests on Wednesday, June 28, digital strategist Dennis Itumbi has come out in full support of the decision.
In a post made on Sunday, June 29, Itumbi praised Mugonyi’s actions, describing them as timely and necessary.
He stated that while others were chasing media attention and trends, Mugonyi chose to act in the interest of national stability. According to Itumbi, the move was not an act of censorship but a demonstration of leadership during a tense national moment.
“When others chased chaos for clout, David Mugonyi chose country over cameras. When others chose hashtags and retweets, you chose to click Subscribe on +254. That’s not censorship. It is courage. No Kenya, no newsroom. No country, no press freedom,” Itumbi said.
Itumbi argued that Mugonyi should not expect applause from Kenyans right now, but history would judge him differently.
He emphasised that in moments of crisis, protecting the country must come first before freedoms that could worsen the situation.
He also called out some media houses, accusing them of operating like political outfits rather than professional newsrooms.
“For that decision, do not expect salutes and accolades at the moment, but eventually, the country will remember your bold decision,” he added.
He concluded by urging Mugonyi to remain firm if such a situation arises again, insisting that the country comes first.
According to him, Mugonyi acted with patriotism under pressure—an act he believes was the right decision, just as many other nations have done under similar circumstances.
“We all know that some media act like unregistered political parties. NOT newsrooms. Mugonyi chose Kenya. Please, ndugu Mugonyi, if such a moment presents itself again, do not shy from choosing KENYA again. Every time. All the time. This was PATRIOTISM UNDER PRESSURE. Like many other countries in similar circumstances, you made the right choice!” he concluded.
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This comes days after the Communication Authority of Kenya switched off all live broadcasts by popular radio and TV stations after refusing to stop broadcasting the Gen Z commemoration demonstrations.
