Kenya’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) regulator, the Communications Authority (CA), has issued a stern warning to media outlets against broadcasting content that violates the country’s communications laws.
This comes as protests demanding President Ruto’s resignation persist.
Legal Framework for Enforcement Action
In a memo to media houses, the regulator stated, “All media outlets are hereby cautioned that the dissemination of content contravening the Constitution, the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998, the Programming Code for Broadcasting Services, or the Preservation of the Public Security Act, 2012, is unlawful and will result in enforcement action.”
Sparse Coverage of Protests by Leading TV Stations
It remains unclear whether this warning has led prominent TV stations, including Citizen and K24, to provide limited coverage of Thursday’s protests. Unlike previous demonstrations, leading media houses are not live-streaming the current events as of this report.
Tuesday’s Protests: Violence and Casualties
Tuesday’s protests began peacefully but escalated into violence in the afternoon, resulting in one fatality and numerous injuries, including a local journalist shot while covering the demonstrations in Nakuru.
The nationwide protests have become a regular occurrence on Tuesdays and Thursdays over the past four weeks, with Kenyans calling for President William Ruto’s resignation. This demand persists despite his budget cuts, austerity measures, cabinet reshuffle, and dismissal of the controversial 2024 Finance Bill.
Police Restrictions and Protester Dissatisfaction
Thursday’s demonstrations are also likely to face obstacles due to warnings from the National Police Service (NPS) against protesters entering Nairobi’s central business district, the epicenter of the march. The NPS cites security concerns and property damage as reasons for the restrictions.
On Wednesday, interim inspector general Douglas Kanja stated that the NPS has “credible intelligence that organized criminal groups are planning to exploit the ongoing protests to carry out their attacks, including looting.”
Some Kenyans have expressed discontent with the statement, arguing that the NPS cannot grant or deny permission for demonstrations. They have also accused the police of using excessive force in arrests and abductions, with reports of dozens of people still missing.
Protests Continue at Uhuru Park
Braving the cold July weather, protesters have gathered at Uhuru Park, a recreational area in Nairobi. They intend to march towards State House, a protected area with restricted access under Kenya’s Protected Areas Act.