Africa Uncensored condemns ban on live coverage of protests

Residents of Mombasa take part in demos to mark the first anniversary of the historic June 25, 2024, Gen Z-led protests/CHARLES MGHENYI

Investigative journalism outlet Africa Uncensored has criticised a directive issued by the Communications Authority, which ordered television and radio stations to cease live coverage of Wednesday’s nationwide protests.

The demonstrations marked the first anniversary of the historic June 25, 2024, Gen Z-led protests that challenged governance failures and youth marginalisation.

In a strongly worded statement, Africa Uncensored called the Communications Authority’s order "a blatant assault on media freedom and the public’s constitutional right to access information.”

It warned that such directives threaten the foundations of a democratic society governed by the rule of law.

“The Constitution of Kenya, 2010, provides clear and unequivocal protections for freedom of the media under Article 34,” the statement read.

“It guarantees that the state shall not exercise control over or interfere with any person engaged in broadcasting.”

The organisation further cited Article 33, which safeguards the freedom of expression, and Article 35, which guarantees every citizen the right to access information held by the State or any other person.

“These are not suggestions—they are binding rights,” the statement emphasised.

Africa Uncensored noted that while the Constitution allows for certain limitations on these rights under Article 24, such restrictions must be enshrined in law, be reasonable and justifiable in an open and democratic society, and must follow due process.

“No such legal basis has been provided by the Communications Authority for this sweeping directive,” it added.

The investigative media house warned that suppressing live coverage of public interest events such as protests undermines transparency, public accountability, and civil rights.

“Media coverage of protests is essential for accountability, transparency, and the protection of fundamental rights,” it stated.

“Live coverage ensures that the public can witness events as they unfold, reducing the risk of the kinds of harms that have been witnessed in the past, fostering a more informed citizenry.”

Africa Uncensored urged the Communications Authority to immediately rescind the directive and called on all media houses to remain steadfast in defending press freedom and constitutional guarantees.

“As a nation, we must reject any attempts to roll back the hard-won freedoms enshrined in our Constitution. Today it is a protest—tomorrow it could be an election, a scandal, or any truth the public deserves to know,” the organisation warned.