ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo has justified the government’s decision to temporarily suspend live television broadcasts during the June 25 Gen Z protests, saying it was necessary to protect children from witnessing violent scenes.
Speaking on Saturday, July 5, 2025, during the official launch of the Nyeri Regional Office of the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC), Kabogo said the suspension was not an attempt to curtail media freedoms but rather a move to shield minors from traumatic content.
“Live coverage on Wednesday ran all the way from morning to about 2 pm when the violence became too much,” Kabogo said. “Remember that we have children at home. It was necessary to protect children from that level of violence.”
His remarks come amid growing concern over state interference with media operations, especially ahead of the anticipated Saba Saba demonstrations. Critics have accused the government of exploiting the guise of national interest to stifle press freedom and limit access to information.
Kabogo, however, insisted that constitutional freedoms must be exercised with responsibility.
“We need to respect the freedom that is enshrined in our constitution, but that freedom has limits,” he said, referencing the 1994 Rwandan genocide. “You remember the genocide in Rwanda? It was propagated by radio. So, if we get you doing such things, we’ll definitely switch you off.”
The CS called on media outlets and the public to act responsibly in how they share information during periods of unrest, warning that careless dissemination could incite fear, misinformation, or worse.
“We have one Kenya, one country only. Let’s enjoy our country and the freedoms enshrined in our constitution, and do it so responsibly,” Kabogo urged.
Kabogo also reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to upholding data privacy and security for all Kenyans, promising that the ODPC will remain vigilant in ensuring personal data is respected and protected.
The announcement by Kabogo comes weeks after the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) issued a directive temporarily banning live coverage of the June 25 Gen Z protests.
The Authority cited concerns over public safety, national cohesion, and the potential psychological harm to minors exposed to violent or disturbing scenes aired in real time.
