CA threatens media blackout over Gen Z protest coverage » Capital News

NAIROBI, Kenya Jun 25 – The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has directed all TV and radio stations to stop live coverage of the June 25 Gen Z protest anniversary, warning of regulatory action for non-compliance.

In a letter dated June 25 and addressed to all broadcasters, CA Director General David Mugonyi cited violations of Articles 33(2) and 34(1) of the Constitution, along with Section 461 of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998, as the basis for the crackdown.

“The live coverage of the June 25th, 2025 demonstrations are contrary to the Constitution… Failure to abide by this directive will result in regulatory action,” Mugonyi warned.

The directive comes as thousands of Kenyans, largely youth-led, took to the streets to mark one year since the dramatic anti-Finance Bill protests of 2024 that saw Parliament breached and dozens killed.

Protesters in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisii, and other towns have been demanding justice and accountability for those who lost their lives.

The CA’s directive is expected to draw criticism from media freedom advocates, who view the move as an attempt to muzzle the press and limit public access to real-time information.

The controversial order also threatens to escalate an already tense situation, with police lobbing teargas in parts of Nairobi as peaceful protests turned confrontational in some areas.