Central Organisation of Trade Unions-Kenya (COTU-K) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has expressed surprise at media houses’ decision to defy a government directive halting live coverage of the June 25 protests.
Speaking during a media engagement, Atwoli questioned why Standard Group and Nation Media chose to go to court after the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) directed all broadcasters to stop live coverage of the nationwide protests. “I have been everywhere and I have never seen a government office directive being challenged in court,” he remarked.
The CA had on Wednesday ordered TV and radio stations, including KTN, NTV, and Citizen TV, to suspend real-time protest coverage, arguing it violated Articles 33(2) and 34(1) of the Constitution. These provisions guarantee media freedom but prohibit incitement to violence, hate speech, and content promoting ethnic hatred or discrimination.
Following the order, CA officers raided transmission stations and deactivated the free-to-air signals of KTN and NTV, prompting a public outcry. Lobby groups such as the Kenya Human Rights Commission called the move unconstitutional and urged broadcasters to resist the directive.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) swiftly moved to court and secured conservatory orders blocking the CA from enforcing the switch-off. Atwoli criticised the court process, claiming the orders were obtained after hours through coordination with a judge.
On Thursday morning, the affected signals were restored, and a spot check by Kenyans.co.ke confirmed that KTN, NTV, and K24 were once again available on free-to-air platforms via Signet.
The June 25 protests were held in memory of Gen Z demonstrators killed during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill unrest. While the demonstrations were most visible in Nairobi’s CBD, they also spread to Mombasa, Kisii, Nakuru, and Kajiado.
