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The Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) has ordered all TV and radio stations to halt live coverage of the ongoing June 25, 2025, demonstrations.
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In an official circular dated June 25, addressed to all broadcasters, the Authority stated that airing the protests live contravenes sections of the Kenyan Constitution, notably Articles 33(2) and 34(1), along with Section 46I of the Kenya Information and Communications Act (1998).
“The live broadcast of the June 25, 2025, demonstrations violates Articles 33(2) and 34(1) of the Constitution,” the directive signed by CAK Director General and CEO David Mugonyi, EBS, reads.
While the Authority did not specify the penalties for defying the order, it stressed that broadcasters must comply or face regulatory action.
The ban comes amid a resurgence of nationwide protests, marking one year since the deadly June 25, 2024 demonstrations, which claimed dozens of lives and drew international criticism over police violence.
Youth groups and civil society organisations had pledged to honour the anniversary with peaceful rallies, vigils, and demands for justice.
Security was significantly heightened on Wednesday, with authorities sealing off critical parts of Nairobi early in the morning.
Roads into the Central Business District (CBD) were closed, with vehicles barred from accessing areas like Jogoo Road beyond City Stadium, forcing commuters to walk.
Security forces set up razor wire and barricades around State House, Parliament, and other sensitive government facilities, reflecting concerns of renewed unrest similar to last year’s breach of State House grounds.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen arrived at Harambee House at dawn to oversee operations, accompanied by senior security officials, including Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, who had issued warnings ahead of the protests.
During a Tuesday press briefing, IG Kanja urged protesters to keep off restricted zones and warned that police would operate within the law to safeguard lives and property.
Alongside DCI Director Amin Mohamed, GSU Commandant Ranson Lolmodoni, and Nairobi Police Commander George Seda, Kanja declined media questions but stressed the importance of maintaining peace.
Commander Seda echoed the call for peaceful protests, reminding citizens that the city remains open for normal business.
“We will provide security for all—both demonstrators and non-demonstrators,” Seda said earlier this week, adding, “Let us avoid infringing on the rights of others. It’s a working day—businesses, shops, and hotels will operate.”
Authorities warned that any violence, vandalism, or disruption would be met with firm action.
This year’s demonstrations, branded “Youth Transparency Day” by organisers, are focused not only on government accountability but also on addressing police brutality, unlawful arrests, and systemic abuse of power.
Civil society groups have used the occasion to renew their calls for justice for victims, compensation, and wide-ranging reforms within Kenya’s security forces.
