Court orders California to reinstate TV broadcasts in response to footballer's lawsuit
KTN and NTV Return to the Airwaves After Court Order
In a victory for press freedom, Kenya's KTN and NTV channels are back on the air after the High Court ordered the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) to reactivate the signals.
This decision came as numerous lawsuits were filed against the CA for its order to halt the live transmission of Wednesday's protests. Alongside KTN and NTV, the agency had also turned off the signals of several other TV stations.
Prior to the High Court's ruling, Justice John Chigiti had suspended the CA's directive following an application by the Law Society of Kenya. This suspension took place after the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) and the Media Lawyers Association of Kenya (MLA) filed a case claiming that the CA's decision to ban live transmission of demonstrations violated the right to freedom of expression, freedom of the media, and access to information under Articles 33, 34, and 35 of the Kenyan Constitution.
According to court proceedings, the CA, led by its board chair, Mary Wambui, had not disclosed any justification for taking such a drastic measure, leading to criticism from KUJ and MLA for overreach. The CA was also accused of having no authority to dictate how any media house conducts its programming.
As the situation unfolds, KUJ and MLA, in a separate case before Justice Lawrence Mugambi, remain vigilant, ready to challenge any future attempts to stifle freedom of the press.
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In a separate case related to the ongoing protests, two sportsmen were accused of using social media to incite protesters to march towards the State House. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) asked the court to detain former boxing captain, Suleiman Wanjau, and ex-Harambee Stars player, Robert Otiti, for 10 days for further investigation. DCI claims the pair posted false information about the protests and planned timetables for the day's events, allegedly participating in acts of vandalism. Their lawyers, Babu Owino, John Maina, and Abna Mango, however, argue that there is no substantive evidence linking the two individuals to any criminal activity.
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- In the recent developments, former boxing captain, Suleiman Wanjau, and ex-Harambee Stars player, Robert Otiti, are facing accusations of inciting protesters through social media, with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) requesting their 10-day detention for further investigation.
- The ongoing political landscape has seen a heated debate regarding the position of William Ruto, as called for in separate cases related to the protests.
- Amidst the return of KTN and NTV channels to the airwaves, the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) and the Media Lawyers Association of Kenya (MLA) remain vigilant, prepared to challenge any future attempts that may stifle freedom of the press.
