Govt Orders All TV, Radio Stations To Stop Covering June 25 Protests

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has ordered that all television and radio stations stop live coverage of the ongoing June 25 demonstrations.

In a letter to all mainstream media platforms, and seen by Viral Tea, the Authority's Director General, Davd Mugonyi, on Wednesday, June 25, revealed that the ongoing coverage was in violation of sections of the Constitution of Kenya.

Mugonyi warned that action will be taken against any stations that fail to adhere to the directive.

"The live coverage of the June 25th, 2025 demonstrations are contrary to Articles 33(2) and 34(1) of the Constitution of Kenya and Section 461 of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998," CA stated in part.

"This is therefore to direct all television and radio stations to stop any live coverage of the demonstrations forthwith. Failure to abide by this directive will result in regulatory action as stipulated in the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998."

This move comes a day after the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) urged journalists and media practitioners to uphold the highest ethical standards ahead of coverage of the June 25 nationwide demonstrations.

In a statement signed by Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo, dated Tuesday, June 24, the media regulator reminded the Fourth Estate of the importance of complying with the Code of Conduct for Media Practice, with special emphasis on accuracy, fairness, and the “do no harm” principle.

"The Council advises journalists covering the anniversary of the 25 June Gen Z protests to remain professional and responsible, ensuring their reporting minimises harm.

"The media should follow the ‘do no harm’ principle, treating subjects, colleagues and audiences with respect and avoiding unnecessary harm to society and vulnerable groups through their reporting," MCK stated.

Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters flooded the streets on Wednesday to commemorate one year since the anti-finance bill demonstrations that claimed the lives of dozens of young Kenyans.

In Nairobi, prominent political leaders—including former Chief Justice David Maraga, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and DAP-Kenya head Eugene Wamalwa—joined the demonstrations and laid flowers near Parliament in honour of those who lost their lives during last year’s protests.

Shortly after, chaos broke out in the Central Business District (CBD) as clashes erupted between protesters and anti-riot police, who began lobbing tear gas at the crowd.

Speaking to the media after arriving at the CBD, Maraga condemned the police’s use of excessive force, stating that it violated constitutional rights.

"We strongly condemn the use of state violence against grieving families and peaceful protesters. The flagrant violation of the Constitution and human rights must stop," Maraga said.