State moves to gag media as Gen Z-led protests escalate

Media houses were ordered to “stop any live coverage of the demonstrations forthwith,” with the authority warning that failure to comply would invite regulatory action.
The Communications Authority has issued a firm directive stopping all television and radio stations from broadcasting the ongoing Gen Z protests live, tightening the government’s control over real-time information as demonstrations continue to spread across the country.
In the statement signed by Director General David Mugonyi on Wednesday, the authority warned that live coverage of the June 25 demonstrations violates Article 33(2) and Article 34(1) of the Constitution, along with Section 46I of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998.
Media houses were ordered to “stop any live coverage of the demonstrations forthwith,” with the authority warning that failure to comply would invite regulatory action.
The move came as massive protests unfolded in Nairobi and other cities, with young demonstrators demanding justice for victims of last year’s deadly rallies and rejecting the Finance Bill.
The directive has triggered concerns over freedom of the press, transparency, and the public’s right to information.
More to follow...