Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has backed the Communications Authority of Kenya’s (CA) directive banning live coverage of the June 25, 2025, protests, citing concerns over public safety and the misuse of constitutional freedoms.
In a statement posted on X, Kaluma argued that the protests were more of an insurrection than a peaceful demonstration, as envisioned under Article 37 of the Constitution. He asserted that the media played a significant role in fueling the unrest and that CA’s move was necessary to maintain law and order.
“What we saw yesterday was not a demonstration under Article 37, but an insurrection,” Kaluma said, emphasizing that while the Constitution protects freedom of the press and peaceful assembly, these rights have boundaries. “All freedoms have limits and should not be used in a manner that incites violence,” he added.
The CA’s directive, issued by Director General David Mugonyi, cited violations of Articles 33(2) and 34(1) of the Constitution and Section 461 of the Kenya Information and Communications Act. The authority instructed all television and radio stations to cease live coverage of the protests, arguing the broadcasts posed risks to national stability.
However, the move was met with strong opposition from the Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG), which labelled the directive unconstitutional and a threat to media freedom.
“Live, factual reporting by licensed media is not a threat; it’s a civic duty,” said KEG President Zubeidah Kananu, dismissing CA’s justification as legally flawed.
In a swift turn of events, the High Court in Nairobi suspended the directive later that evening. Justice Chacha Mwita issued a conservatory order halting the CA’s ban following a petition by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
The judge noted that the case raised serious constitutional questions and ordered immediate restoration of any broadcasting signals that had been switched off. All involved parties were given three days to file their responses ahead of a full hearing.
The matter is expected to stir further debate on the balance between media freedom and national security in Kenya.
