As Kenya commemorated the first anniversary of last year's anti-Finance Bill protests with renewed demonstrations, a contentious directive from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) sparked sharp condemnation from leading opposition figures. Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper) and Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-K) swiftly denounced the CA's order for all television and radio stations to cease live coverage of the ongoing June 25 protests, asserting it was an unacceptable assault on foundational democratic principles.
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In a press briefing, the leaders unequivocally stated that the freedom of the press is a right deeply enshrined in Kenya's Constitution, one that cannot be arbitrarily revoked by any government agency. “We have just received news that CA has ordered the closure of TV stations. We want to remind them that this is unacceptable. As we speak, we are in sync with LSK and have moved to court to stop this nonsense,” Kalonzo declared, highlighting the immediate legal challenge against the ban. He pointed out the futility of such a move in the digital age: “The whole world is open and Kenyans want to know. Even if he closes down all TV stations, what about Kenyans with mobile phones?”
The CA had cited Articles 33 (2) and 34 (1) of the Constitution, which outline limitations to freedom of expression, such as hate speech or incitement to violence. However, Kalonzo countered this, emphasizing Article 35, which guarantees every Kenyan the right to access information. “The Article CA quoted 33 and 34 are very clear that the freedom of the press is guaranteed. You cannot arbitrarily take away that freedom,” he asserted. He directly challenged the government's motive: “We must ask William Ruto what is he afraid of?” expressing concern that without live coverage, acts of violence against protesters could go unnoticed and unscrutinized.
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Echoing these grave sentiments, Eugene Wamalwa claimed that the CA’s orders for a media blackout could signal a more sinister government intention: the deployment of the military to manage protests under the veil of suppressed information. He referenced a recent incident where peaceful demonstrations reportedly turned chaotic due to the unleashing of "goons" on protesters, suggesting a pattern of deliberate obfuscation.
The unified condemnation from these opposition leaders underscored a profound concern for press freedom and transparency during critical moments of national discourse. Their swift and vocal response ensured that the media blackout became a central issue, challenging the government's actions and demanding accountability for upholding constitutional rights.
