Outcry as CA muzzles the media using outdated law on protest anniversary

High Court freezes directive by Communications Authority stopping media houses from broadcasting protests live. [File, Standard]

The High Court in Nairobi has frozen a directive by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) stopping media houses from broadcasting protests live, and ordered all stations to immediately resume airing.

The ruling came hours after CA director David Mugonyi issued the directive. Justice Chacha Mwita intervened in a case filed by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), terming the move unlawful.

"A conservatory order is hereby issued suspending, with immediate effect, the directive Ref No. CA/CE/BC/TV90A or any other directive issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya to all television and radio stations directing them to stop live coverage of the demonstrations of June 25, 2025 or any other demonstrations, until the hearing and determination of the application and petition," ruled Justice Mwita.

He added: "Any broadcasting signals that may have been switched off as a result of the referenced directive be restored with immediate effect, pending further orders of the court."

LSK argued that the directive was illegal and excessive, and intended to shield police from scrutiny during the protests.