Editors Guild Condemns CA’s Ban On Live Protest Coverage

The Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG) has strongly criticized the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) for ordering TV and radio stations to stop live coverage of the Gen Z protest anniversary, calling the directive illegal, unconstitutional, and a direct threat to media freedom.

In a statement issued Wednesday, KEG President Zubeidah Kananu said the directive violates Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution, which protect freedom of expression and independence of the media.

“Live, factual reporting by licensed media is not a threat, it’s a civic duty,” Kananu said, accusing the Authority of misusing constitutional provisions that are meant to regulate hate speech and incitement, not silence responsible journalism.

KEG cited a 2023 High Court ruling in a case it filed alongside other media stakeholders—Kenya Editors’ Guild & Others v CA & Others—which prohibited the CA from interfering with live broadcasts by licensed media houses.

The Guild described CA’s actions as illegal and in contempt of court, adding that it amounted to an abuse of power and an assault on judicial authority.

The directive was issued as thousands of Kenyans, mostly young people, marked one year since the June 25, 2024 protests, in which Parliament was stormed and dozens were killed during nationwide demonstrations against the Finance Bill.

KEG is now calling for the immediate withdrawal of the directive and full compliance with the court ruling barring CA from interfering with live media broadcasts. The Guild also wants Parliament and the Judiciary to launch oversight investigations into CA’s conduct to safeguard media freedom and hold public officers accountable.

“Silencing live reporting weakens democratic checks and erodes public confidence in state institutions,” KEG warned, adding that it would support legal action against CA’s decision.