In a move that has sparked renewed fears over media freedom in Kenya, the government on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, abruptly shut down the K24 TV and Kameme TV broadcast signals, following their live coverage of the Gen Z protest commemorations in Nairobi.
In a strongly worded statement, Mediamax Network Ltd, which owns both stations, accused the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) of acting in clear violation of the Constitution and a standing High Court decision that prohibits censorship of live broadcast content.
“We wish to inform our customers that the Communications Authority (CA) switched off our K24 broadcast signal in clear violation of the Constitution and a High Court decision in relation to the coverage of live events,” the company stated.
The Gen Z protests being covered marked the anniversary of demonstrations held in 2024 against the now-withdrawn Finance Bill.
The youth-led movement, which gained national momentum last year, has since become a symbol of civic resistance and generational activism in the country.
Mediamax has stated that the shutdown occurred in response to what it describes as an unlawful directive from the Communications Authority, instructing media houses to halt live coverage of the Gen Z protest commemoration.
The network says it views the government’s actions as an attack on press freedom and an infringement on the public’s constitutional right to information.
“We stand advised by the High Court decision that CA has no mandate to regulate broadcast content and consider the move as an affront on press freedoms and the right of Kenyans to information by a free and independent media,” Kenneth Ngaruiya, Group CEO of Mediamax, stated.
As of Wednesday evening, the K24 signal remained offline on traditional broadcast platforms.
However, the media house has urged the public to continue accessing its content through its digital platforms, including K24.digital, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok.
“We wish to inform Kenyans that we will remain resilient, resolute and committed to people-centred journalism,” Ngaruiya said.
The Communications Authority has not yet publicly responded to the complaints, and it remains unclear whether the blackout will extend to other stations that offered similar coverage.
The Kenya Editors’ Guild and the Media Council of Kenya have issued formal statements amid growing concern that the switch-off could set a dangerous precedent for media independence, especially in politically sensitive times.
Martin Oduor
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