Media organisations challenge State over broadcast suspension
By Sheila Mutua, June 27, 2025Four media organisations have filed a constitutional petition against the government over its decision to suspend live broadcast coverage of anti-government demonstrations held on June 25.
The petitioners – the Kenya Union of Journalists, Kenya Editors Guild, Association of Media Women in Kenya, and Kenya Correspondents Association – argue that the government’s action constitutes a gross violation of media freedom and the public’s right to information.
In their petition filed at the High Court, the media groups contend that the directive to halt live transmission of the protests infringed upon several constitutional rights, including freedom of expression, freedom of the media, and access to information as guaranteed under Articles 33, 34, and 35 of the Constitution of Kenya.
“The decision and actions of the 1st Respondent are in violation of Kenya’s international obligations under Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” the petition states, referencing the global standard that protects freedom of information.
‘Unfair action’
The petitioners also argue that the directive amounts to unfair administrative action, contrary to Article 47 of the Constitution, and undermines national values and principles of transparency as enshrined in Article 10.
The media groups are seeking multiple declarations and orders from the court, including a finding that the government’s actions were unconstitutional and an order compelling the State to restore live broadcasts on terrestrial digital platforms.
Among the remedies sought is a declaration that the government’s ban on live broadcasts violated media freedom and the public’s right to know.
The petitioners also want an order quashing the directive from the Communications Authority to suspend live TV transmission, a prohibition barring further interference with media transmissions, and a mandamus order compelling the restoration of affected broadcasts.
Another case
Meanwhile, two people have been arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts for alleged publishing false information.
Suleiman Wanjau Bilali and Robert Otiti Elwak were arrested on Wednesday in the Muthurwa and Kayole areas of Nairobi, respectively, accused of publishing content that allegedly incited the public to participate in a protest with the purported aim of unlawfully occupying State House.
The offending material, which included a circulating timetable of planned protests, originated from the X account @daguindd (Daguin Dd) and went viral on various social media platforms, the DCI said.
Investigations linked the suspects to a wider network allegedly planning to infiltrate peaceful demonstrations organised by Gen Z activists.
Prosecutors claim the suspects were part of a group that mobilised individuals not only to demonstrate but also to loot shops, assault civilians, and breach national security by targeting protected government facilities such as State House.