The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa have strongly opposed the Communications Authority of Kenya’s (CA) directive that all TV and radio stations stop live broadcasting of the June 25 protests, which mark the first anniversary of last year’s anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
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Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, the leaders emphasized that media freedom is protected by the Constitution and cannot simply be taken away by the government.
“We’ve just learned that CA has ordered TV stations off air. This is unacceptable. We’ve already joined hands with the Law Society of Kenya to challenge this directive in court,” Kalonzo said.
“The world is watching, and Kenyans deserve to stay informed. Even if all TV stations are shut down, Kenyans still have mobile phones to record and share events.”
The CA claimed that broadcasting the protests live violates Articles 33(2) and 34(1) of the Constitution, which limit freedom of expression when it involves war propaganda, hate speech, or incitement to violence.
Kalonzo argued that the Constitution’s Article 35 guarantees Kenyans the right to access information and that the articles CA referenced still protect press freedom.
“Kenyans are entitled to information under Article 35. Articles 33 and 34 guarantee freedom of the press. You cannot just strip that right away. The question we must ask is—what is William Ruto afraid of?” Kalonzo posed.
He suggested that blocking live coverage could allow human rights abuses against protesters to go unreported.
Eugene Wamalwa supported Kalonzo’s concerns, suggesting the government might be planning to deploy the military to crack down on protesters.
He recalled an incident last week when hired groups disrupted peaceful protests in Nairobi’s CBD.
“There’s a reason William Ruto wants this media blackout. The people have rejected this system and its injustices. I believe he’s preparing to use military force against citizens,” Wamalwa alleged.
“As we speak, we know the military is stationed at Nyayo Stadium. The time may come when he unleashes them. He is still relying on last year’s orders that allowed such deployments.”
The June 25 protests have seen repeated clashes between demonstrators and police in various counties.
Protesters flooded the streets, chanting and expressing dissatisfaction with the government, which many see as having failed to lead and address the public’s concerns.
