The Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG) has strongly condemned the Communications Authority of Kenya’s (CA) directive banning live broadcast of the ongoing Gen Z protests.

In a directive on Wednesday, June 25, the CA Director General David Mugonyi stated that covering the protests contravenes both the Constitution and section 461 of the Kenya Information and Communications Act.

Mugonyi warned that the Authority would take action against any stations that fail to adhere to the directive.

“The live coverage of the June 25th, 2025, demonstrations is contrary to Articles 33(2) and 34(1) of the Constitution of Kenya and Section 461 of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998,” read part of the directive.

But in a rejoinder, the KEG argues that CA’s directive is a gross violation of the Constitution and an affront to press freedom and public accountability.

“CA’s claim that it is acting under Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution is legally and factually flawed. These provisions protect free expression, with clear limits only on hate speech, incitement, and propaganda—not on responsible journalism,” KEG says.

In a statement, KEG insists that live, factual reporting by licensed media is not a threat—it’s a civic duty. This directive, KEG insists, contravenes the 2023 High Court ruling in Kenya Editors’ Guild & Others v Communications Authority & Others, where the court restrained CA from interfering with live media broadcasts.

“The judgment reinforced that no government agency may impose prior restraint on the press. By ignoring this ruling, CA is actively undermining judicial authority and reopening the door to unconstitutional state censorship.”

Consequently, KEG now demands that CA withdraws the directive, which they term illegal, with immediate effect. The guild also wants the Authority to respect the aforementioned high court ruling as it remains valid.

While insisting that live coverage of the Gen Z protests ensures accountability, transparency and public trust, KEG is advising media houses to stand firm, report truthfully and seek immediate legal protection if threatened.

Additionally, KEG is calling upon the Parliament and the Judiciary to investigate CA’s conduct and enforce compliance with the Constitution.

“The Kenya Editors’ Guild stands ready to support any legal challenge against CA’s directive. We also encourage all media professionals to remain alert and united. During moments of civic unrest, the only crisis greater than the protest itself is the silencing of the voices that tell its story.”