Murkomen: We’ll switch off the media If that’s what It takes to save Kenya

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a strong warning to media houses, saying the government will not hesitate to switch off broadcasters if it becomes necessary to protect national security and public safety.
Speaking at State House on Saturday, June 28, 2025, Murkomen defended the government’s right to act against what he called irresponsible journalism, especially during moments of national crisis.
“If we have to switch off media resources to save the media and to save the citizens, we will do it, because we want to save our country from burning,” Murkomen said. “We want to save them from irresponsible journalism.”
His remarks come just days after the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) directed all licensed TV and radio broadcasters to immediately halt live coverage of the June 25 Gen Z protests, citing violations of the Constitution and broadcasting laws.
The CA accused media outlets of breaching Article 33(2), Article 34(1) of the Constitution, and Section 461 of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998.
However, later that same day, the High Court suspended the directive, terming it unconstitutional. Justice Chacha Mwita ruled that the CA’s order violated the freedom of the press and the rights of citizens to access information.
In his Saturday address, Murkomen urged the media to self-regulate and avoid sensational or inciteful reporting that could inflame tensions. He added that while the government respects criticism, national safety must come first.
“If the media regulates itself, nobody is going to bother. We have been criticised before, and we are not averse to it,” he said.
The CS also highlighted the difficult position of national security officers, noting they do not have the luxury of debate during emergencies.
“At that critical moment for our country, the first thing they want to see is that their country becomes safe. Nobody here, including the IG, wants to go into the history books as the people under whose watch the country burned,” Murkomen stressed.
He said dialogue with the media and judiciary is welcome, but only after peace is secured.
“We can go and debate with the media, they can call us for interviews, we can debate with the judiciary, when we know the country is safe,” he concluded.
His statement marks the latest in an escalating national conversation around media freedom, state authority, and the role of journalism during public protests.