The Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG) has issued a sharp condemnation of the government’s directive banning live coverage of the ongoing Gen Z protests, warning that the move is unconstitutional and amounts to state censorship.

In a strongly worded press statement released on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, KEG said the directive issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), under Ref. CA/CE/BC/TV 90A was a direct attack on media freedom and public accountability.

“The Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG) strongly condemns the Communications Authority of Kenya’s (CA) directive banning live broadcast of the ongoing Gen Z protests,” said KEG President Zubeidah Kananu.

 “This directive is a gross violation of the Constitution and an affront to press freedom and public accountability.”

According to the Guild, the CA’s justification that it acted under Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution is both legally and factually flawed.

These provisions, the Guild explained, protect free expression and media freedom, only limiting speech in cases of hate speech, incitement to violence, or war propaganda.

“Live, factual reporting by licensed media is not a threat—it’s a civic duty,” KEG stated, emphasizing that coverage of public protests serves to inform the nation and promote transparency, not to incite unrest.

The Guild reminded the Communications Authority of a 2023 High Court ruling in Kenya Editors’ Guild & Others v Communications Authority & Others, where the court prohibited the CA from interfering with live broadcasts by media outlets.

“The judgment reinforced that no government agency may impose prior restraint on the press,” the Guild said.

“By ignoring this ruling, CA is actively undermining judicial authority and reopening the door to unconstitutional state censorship.”

KEG demands

In light of the directive, KEG issued five demands: Immediate Withdrawal: “CA must rescind this illegal directive without delay, Respect Judicial Orders: The 2023 court orders remain valid and must be obeyed.

Protect the Public’s Right to Know: “Live coverage ensures accountability, transparency, and public trust, support Independent Journalism: Media houses should stand firm, report truthfully, and seek immediate legal protection if threatened, and Oversight and Reform: Parliament and the Judiciary must investigate CA’s conduct and enforce compliance with the Constitution.

KEG stressed the broader implications of the move, saying it threatens both constitutional rights and democratic integrity.

“Article 34 protects media freedom. Article 35 ensures public access to information. CA’s actions attack both rights,” the Guild noted.

The Editors’ Guild warned that silencing the press, especially during moments of civic unrest, has dangerous consequences.

“Silencing live reporting weakens democratic checks and erodes public confidence in state institutions,” the statement read.

As demonstrations continue across the country—largely driven by youth anger over governance, corruption, and economic hardship—the Guild emphasized the crucial role of the media in shaping public understanding.

 “During moments of civic unrest, the only crisis greater than the protest itself is the silencing of the voices that tell its story,” Kananu said.

KEG pledged to support any legal action taken against the CA’s directive and called on journalists across the country to remain united and vigilant.

“The Kenya Editors’ Guild stands ready to support any legal challenge against CA’s directive. We also encourage all media professionals to remain alert and united.”

The Kenya Editors’ Guild strongly condemns CAK’s directive banning live coverage of #GenZProtests.

We urge all media to stand firm and respect the 2023 High Court ruling that barred such censorship.#MediaFreedom #KenyaProtests #RightToKnow #PressFreedom #KEGStatement pic.twitter.com/9KbPAM7RZL

— Kenya Editors’ Guild (@KenyaEditors) June 25, 2025