Armed officers and Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) officials raided NTV’s Limuru transmission station on Wednesday afternoon, cutting the broadcaster’s free-to-air signal just as it carried live images of antitax protests sweeping the country.
Nation Media Group (NMG) called the shutdown “unconstitutional,” saying it happened “without due process” and squarely violates Article 34(2) of the Constitution, which bars the state from controlling or penalising the press.
“Nation Media Group (NMG) confirms that the broadcast signal for its television station, NTV, has been unconstitutionally switched off by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA),”the company said in a statement shared soon after the raid.
The CA’s move followed an earlier advisory – posted on social media rather than served formally – that ordered all TV and radio stations to halt live coverage of the nationwide demonstrations, warning of regulatory sanctions for non-compliance.
NMG insists the regulator lacks the mandate to police content, pointing to a recent High Court ruling that placed that role under the Media Council of Kenya. The group also reminded officials that “The State shall not… exercise control over or interfere with any person engaged in broadcasting.”
Standard Group and KTN faced similar interference, with both confirming their Limuru links had been tampered with. Despite the blackout, all three newsrooms kept streaming on YouTube, Facebook and X, urging audiences to “keep the cameras rolling.”
Update: Citizen TV has also confirmed that their transmission station was raided by Communications Authority officials and armed police officers.
Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) officials arrive at Citizen TV’s transmission station in Limuru #June25th pic.twitter.com/BXZgCBBkDR
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) June 25, 2025
