Journalists union and KEG voice disapproval over directive to curtail live coverage of demonstrations
Unfiltered Take:
Kenya's Communications Authority (CA) is under fire for a directive to ban live broadcasts of Gen Z-led protests, marking the first anniversary of the deadly June 25, 2024, demonstrations. This move has been heavily criticized as a severe infringement on freedom of speech and press freedom.
The Kenya Editors' Guild (KEG) and the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) have both condemned the directive, stating it's an affront to press freedom and a violation of the Constitution. The Guild's editor, Zubeidah Kananu, described the directive as illegal and an attempt to reopen the door to unconstitutional state censorship.
CA's justification for the ban is based on concerns over public order and safety, aiming to prevent live broadcasts that may incite violence. However, this ban coincides with the anniversary protests, where violence and fatalities occurred, raising questions about the government's commitment to democratic values.
The Law Society of Kenya has filed a petition challenging the CA's move, and Nairobi’s High Court has intervened by issuing a conservatory order suspending the directive, allowing live broadcast coverage of the protests to resume pending further legal proceedings. Critics argue that the ban undermines the public’s right to receive real-time information during a critical national event.
This incident highlights tensions between state regulatory powers and constitutional guarantees of expression and media freedom. It also underscores media vulnerability to state control, especially during politically sensitive events. The legal pushback and court suspension affirm the judiciary's role in protecting civil liberties against executive overreach.
Remember to tune in for more updates on this developing story. Stay informed and stand for freedom of speech!
- The general-news outlets in Kenya are actively reporting on the legal challenge against the Communications Authority's (CA) ban on live broadcasts of Gen Z-led protests, which has sparked discussions about the country's epaper headlines, including sports, health, and business sections, regarding the impact of this directive on press freedom.
- Concurrently, the sports section of Kenyan epaper is focusing on how this politically charged atmosphere may affect the country's athletics performances in international competitions,questioning whether the government's actions are undermining the country's democratic values and sportsmanship.
- In the business section of the Kenyan epaper, analysts are debating the potential economic implications of the CA's directive, arguing that it could deter foreign investors who value transparency and freedom of speech, ultimately impacting the country's economic growth and stability.
