Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) Director General David Mugonyi is receiving praise from key government figures for what they term a “patriotic” decision to suspend live television coverage during the June 25 anti-government protests, even as the move continues to attract criticism from civil society and media stakeholders.
The controversial directive, issued by the CA, temporarily halted live broadcast of demonstrations that swept across several counties. Mugonyi cited violations of Articles 33(2) and 34(1) of the Constitution and Section 461 of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998, stating the media had, in some cases, broadcast content that incited public unrest.
While many media outlets and rights groups viewed the move as a blatant suppression of press freedom, others, including high-ranking officials, came to Mugonyi’s defense. Dennis Itumbi, Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, described the directive as an act of “patriotism under pressure.”
“Mugonyi had to make a decision. When others chased chaos for clout, he chose country over cameras,” Itumbi said in a public statement, emphasizing that the action was meant to preserve national stability rather than muzzle the media.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen echoed similar sentiments, arguing that the ban was imposed in the country’s best interest, citing the need to prevent further escalation of unrest.
However, the Communications Authority’s decision faced immediate legal challenges. In response to a petition, the High Court issued a conservatory order suspending the directive. Justice Chacha Mwita ruled that live coverage could not be arbitrarily restricted and ordered that any disrupted broadcast signals be restored immediately.
Despite the court’s intervention, pro-government voices have continued to frame Mugonyi’s move as a necessary step in a tense moment for the nation. Itumbi urged the CA boss to remain steadfast in similar future scenarios, stating, “Please, ndugu Mugonyi, if such a moment presents again, do not shy from choosing Kenya again.”
The broadcast suspension has reignited the debate around balancing media freedom with national security, highlighting the difficult choices regulators face in moments of political upheaval.
