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Kalonzo slams media gag order on protest coverage

Kalonzo slams media gag order on protest coverage
Wiper Party leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka at a past function. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/kalonzomusyoka

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has castigated a directive by the Communications Authority of Kenya to all mainstream media stations to cease the live broadcast of the protests.

Speaking in Karen on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, Kalonzo indicated that his team and that of the Law Society of Kenya had gone to court to resolve the matter.

“We have just received very sad and unacceptable news that the communications authority of Kenya has ordered the closing down of independent TV stations and radio stations,” Kalonzo said.

Moves to court

“We want to remind them that this is not acceptable. As we speak, we are in sync with the Law Society of Kenya, and we have already moved to court to stop this nonsense.”

The Wiper Party leader stated that the constitution guarantees Kenyans the freedom of information, which cannot be arbitrarily taken away from them.

“We say so because Kenyans have the right to information under Article 35. Articles 33 and 34 that the CA are quoting are very clear that the freedom of the press is guaranteed,” Kalonzo remarked.

David Maraga speaking to youth during protests. PHOTO/Screengrab by K24 Digital of Instagram video by @SPM Buzz
David Maraga speaking to youth during protests. PHOTO/Screengrab by K24 Digital of Instagram video by @SPM Buzz

“That tells you that you cannot arbitrarily take away their freedom. We must ask William Ruto what he is afraid of. Even if he closes the media station, how about those with phones?” he posed.

KHRC condemns directive

The remarks come after the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) equally condemned the move by CA, stating that it was a covert move to ensure that police excesses are not documented.

“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.

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.”

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