Four leading media organizations in Kenya have filed a constitutional petition challenging the government’s decision to suspend live television coverage of the June 25 anti-government protests. The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ), Kenya Editors Guild (KEG), Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK), and the Kenya Correspondents Association argue that the move constitutes a gross violation of media freedom and the public’s right to information.
The petition, filed in the High Court, targets the Communications Authority of Kenya and other relevant state agencies responsible for the directive. The media organizations claim the order to halt live broadcasts contravenes key provisions of the Constitution, including Articles 33, 34, and 35, which protect freedom of expression, media freedom, and access to information.
“The decision and actions of the 1st Respondent are in violation of Kenya’s international obligations under Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” the petition states, underscoring the government’s duty to uphold global standards on press freedom and the flow of information.
The petitioners also argue that the move breached Article 47, which guarantees fair administrative action, and undermined the national values of transparency and accountability as enshrined in Article 10 of the Constitution.
The media bodies are seeking several declarations and orders from the court. These include a declaration that the suspension of live broadcasts was unconstitutional, an order quashing the Communications Authority’s directive, a prohibition against future state interference in media operations, and a mandamus order compelling the immediate restoration of all suspended broadcasts on terrestrial digital platforms.
This legal battle underscores growing concerns about the shrinking space for press freedom in Kenya, especially during politically sensitive moments. The ban came amid nationwide youth-led protests over government policies and public spending, which attracted significant public attention and global concern.
The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for media independence and the rights of citizens to access real-time information in Kenya. The media organizations have vowed to pursue justice relentlessly, saying the role of the press in a democratic society must never be compromised.
