The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has warned telco and utility companies against disrupting internet access or interfering with electricity supply during ongoing nationwide protests.
In a statement released on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, KHRC reminded companies that the High Court issued orders in May 2025, barring any form of internet shutdowns.
The ruling came after a blackout on June 25, 2024, which occurred during the anti-government protests. The court found that such blackouts were unconstitutional and violated citizens’ rights to information and expression.
“KHRC is reminding telco companies that the High Court issued orders in May this year prohibiting any form of internet shutdown. Justice Bahati Mwamuye’s ruling came in response to a petition by ICJ-Kenya and others following the June 25, 2024, blackout during nationwide protests calling for good governance,” the statement read in part.
KHRC said that any attempt to block access to the internet, throttle connectivity, or downgrade services while Kenyans take to the streets to demand justice for victims of police killings would be in contempt of court and would attract legal consequences.
The rights body also condemned moves to interfere with the electricity supply during the protests, warning that legal action would follow any such action meant to suppress the demonstrations.
“The Telco companies must understand that any attempt to shut down the internet, throttle connectivity, or downgrade service to 2G as Kenyans rally for justice over police killings in 2024 would amount to contempt of court and attract legal consequences. Similarly, KHRC warns @KenyaPower that switching off electricity during these protests demanding police accountability will trigger immediate legal action,” the commission added.
Live coverage
This comes after the commission criticised a directive by the Communications Authority ordering media outlets to halt live coverage of the protests.
In the directive, the authority claimed that broadcasting live demonstrations violated constitutional provisions and media laws, and warned of regulatory action against any non-compliant stations.
“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.
According to KHRC, this directive is an attempt to cover up worsening police violence being witnessed during the protests.
“The regime’s move to block live coverage of the #Justice4OurMashujaa protest is a deliberate attempt to conceal police violence,” the Commission stated.
KHRC urged media houses to defy the directive and continue broadcasting the truth. The organisation also called on protesters to document and share any instances of police brutality using their phones and recording devices, noting that such evidence is crucial for accountability.
The protests, now in full swing across major towns, are in memory of more than 60 young Kenyans who lost their lives during the 2024 Finance Bill demonstrations. What began as a tax revolt has evolved into a broader push against corruption, bad governance, and police impunity.
