The Kenya Human Rights Commission has condemned a directive by the Communications Authority to stop all mainstream media coverage of the June 25, 2025, protests.
In a statement on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, the human rights body says the directive is aimed at concealing police violence that is getting worse.
“The regime’s move to block live coverage of the #Justice4OurMashujaa protest is a deliberate attempt to conceal police violence, which is getting worse, as witnessed by KHRC,” the rights body says.
Ignore directive
KHRC has instead called on the media houses to ignore the directive, urging protesters to document all instances of police excesses using their phones and recording devices.
“KHRC calls on media houses to ignore this unconstitutional directive by the Communications Authority of Kenya. We also encourage all protesters to document and share any instances of police brutality online, so that the abusers are held to account.”
In a formal communication dated Wednesday, June 25, 2025, and addressed to all licensed broadcasters, the Communications Authority declared that the live airing of protest activities is in breach of Article 33(2) and Article 34(1) of the Constitution of Kenya, alongside Section 461 of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998.
“This is therefore to direct all television and radio stations to stop any live coverage of the demonstrations forthwith,” read the statement signed by Director General David Mugonyi.
Regulatory action
The notice warned that non-compliance would result in regulatory action as stipulated in the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998, signalling potential suspensions, penalties, or broadcast licence reviews.
“Failure to abide by this directive will result in regulatory action as stipulated in the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998. The Authority looks forward to your continued cooperation,” CAK noted.
The demonstrations have rocked major towns in the country to commemorate the lives of 60 youthful Kenyans who lost their lives in 2024 during the Finance Bill demos, which later morphed into protests against misgovernance.
Several notable individuals, including former Chief Justice David Maraga, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K Party leader Eugene Wamalwa and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, have joined in the protests.
