The High Court in Milimani yesterday issued a conservatory order suspending a directive by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) that sought to prohibit television and radio stations from broadcasting live coverage of the ongoing anti-government protests.
In his ruling, Justice Chacha Mwita declared, “A conservatory order is HEREBY ISSUED suspending, with immediate effect, the DIRECTIVE Ref No. CA/CE/BC/TV90A, or any other directive issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya to all television and radio stations directing them to stop live coverage of the demonstrations of 25th June 2025, or any other demonstrations, until the hearing and determination of the application and petition.”
The court acted after the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG) moved to court to challenge the ban on live coverage of the June 25 protests that took place across various towns and cities in Kenya.
Through lawyer Calvin Oira of Oira and Bosire Advocates, the petitioners argued that the directive was unconstitutional, undermining press freedom and the public’s right to information.
“The directive has the effect of denying Kenyans information about what is going on in the country without any justifiable reason. The directive is illegal and violates various provisions of the Constitution, inter alia, Article 33, 34, 35 and 47 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010,” the petition reads in part.
“As at the time of filing this Petition, the 1st Respondent had illegally, unlawfully and unprocedurally switched off the Free to Air Signal for Nation TV at Limuru Transmission Station, with more such illegal switch offs anticipated”.
The CA had earlier directed all broadcasters to halt live coverage of the protests, citing unspecified security concerns.
However, the High Court found the directive potentially unconstitutional and ordered its immediate suspension, pending the hearing and final determination of the case challenging its legality.
In addition to suspending the directive, Justice Mwita directed that any broadcasting signals switched off as a result of the order be restored without delay.
The court further allowed the service of the ruling via email, live TV broadcasts, and newspaper publications to ensure maximum public awareness of the decision.
This ruling arrives amid growing criticism from civil society groups, media stakeholders, and human rights defenders, who have accused the government of curtailing press freedom and denying Kenyans access to crucial public information.
June 25 Protests Leave 8 Dead, Over 400 Injured
In related news, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has confirmed eight fatalities resulting from the June 25 demonstrations, which marked the first anniversary of the deadly anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests.
KNCHR Vice Chairperson Dr. Raymond Nyeris disclosed that the deaths occurred across six counties: Machakos (2), Makueni (2), Nakuru (1), Kiambu (1), Uasin Gishu (1), and Nyandarua (1).
Additionally, the commission reported over 400 casualties from the protests, a figure that includes injured protesters, police officers, and journalists.
While the majority of those injured were treated and discharged, 83 individuals required specialised medical care.
KNCHR also revealed that 61 people were detained at various police stations nationwide, with most arrests recorded in Nairobi County.
According to KNCHR, criminal elements infiltrated the demonstrations, contributing to the day’s unrest.
The June 25 protests, which were dubbed “Youth Transparency Day” by activists, opposition leaders, and youth movements, were held in memory of at least 60 people who lost their lives in last year’s Finance Bill demonstrations.
The protests also served as a call for government accountability and justice for victims of state violence.
However, what was meant to be a remembrance of victims of government and police brutality from 2024 protests ironically ended up with eight casualties.
