The Kenyan government on Wednesday escalated its crackdown on dissent by shutting down major television broadcasters and blocking access to Telegram, as nationwide protests erupted over economic grievances and the anniversary of last year’s deadly demonstrations against the Finance Bill.
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) also imposed a nationwide ban on live coverage of anti-government demonstrations, drawing sharp criticism from civil society groups, legal experts, and media organisations, who accused the state of violating constitutional rights to free expression and information.
Telegram blocked, internet access restricted
Digital rights watchdog NetBlocks reported a sudden drop in Telegram access across Kenya on Wednesday afternoon, with reachability falling to just one percent by 4:00 p.m. local time.
The encrypted messaging app has become a key tool for real-time protest coordination and information sharing.
“Live network data show a major disruption to internet connectivity in #Kenya; the incident comes amidst a deadly crackdown by police on #RejectFinanceBill2024 protesters a day after authorities claimed there would be no internet shutdown,” NetBlocks posted on X, noting the shutdown occurred despite earlier assurances from authorities that internet services would remain uninterrupted.
Observers described the restriction as part of a broader effort to limit public mobilisation and control the protest narrative.
Broadcast stations taken off air
Television networks KTN News, NTV, and Citizen TV were all taken off air following a June 25 directive from the CA, which cited sections of the Kenya Information and Communications Act and Constitution to justify the move. The agency accused the broadcasters of airing content that could “undermine public order.”
The networks pushed back immediately. Standard Group, parent company of KTN, said it would pursue legal action against any signal carrier that suspended its broadcast “without explanation that can withstand the scrutiny of law, justice, and fairness.” Nation Media Group, which owns NTV, condemned the action as state interference in editorial independence and pointed to Article 34(2) of the Constitution, which prohibits government control of media content.
Royal Media Services, which operates Citizen TV, confirmed its broadcast had been suspended and directed audiences to its online and social media platforms.
Legal dispute over media oversight
Legal experts have challenged the CA’s authority to regulate broadcast content, arguing that recent court rulings assign that responsibility to the Media Council of Kenya.
Nation Media Group noted that the CA’s actions lacked legal standing and signalled an overreach of regulatory power.
Media advocacy groups warned the blackout could set a dangerous precedent for censorship and authoritarian control in Kenya’s digital landscape.
A coalition of media organisations is preparing to challenge the directive in court, potentially setting the stage for a landmark case on media freedom in the digital age.
Protests persist despite media blackout
Despite the shutdowns, protests broke out in Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, and over 15 other counties. Demonstrators blocked roads, lit bonfires, and faced off with police, who erected barricades around Parliament and State House. By noon, Kenyatta National Hospital had reported treating at least ten injured protesters.
With traditional media silenced, protesters turned to platforms like TikTok, X, Facebook, and Instagram to share real-time updates and livestream footage, underscoring the growing role of citizen journalism and social media in circumventing state censorship.
Domestic and international outcry
Human rights organisations and foreign diplomatic missions have criticised the blackout, viewing the actions as a disturbing reversal of Kenya’s democratic norms.
“Shutting down both the messenger and the message is not a sustainable way to deal with dissent,” THE STANDARD reports.
KICTANet, a prominent ICT policy think tank, said the disruptions amounted to “a clear violation of the constitutional rights of Kenyans to freedom of expression, access to information, association, and assembly.”
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