Opposition leaders Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper) and Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-K) have sharply criticized a directive from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) ordering a media blackout on live television and radio coverage of the nationwide protests held today to mark the anniversary of the 2023 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, the two leaders termed the directive as a blatant assault on press freedom and a violation of constitutional rights.
They vowed to challenge the order in court, warning that such actions signal an increasingly authoritarian government response to public dissent.
“We have just received news that CA has ordered the closure of TV stations. We want to remind them that this is unacceptable,” Kalonzo said.
“As we speak, we are in sync with the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and have moved to court to stop this nonsense.”
Kalonzo further accused the government of fearing transparency and attempting to suppress the voices of Kenyans demanding accountability.
“Kenyans have the right under Article 35 to information. The Articles CA quoted — 33 and 34 — are very clear: the freedom of the press is guaranteed. You cannot arbitrarily take away that freedom. We must ask William Ruto — what is he afraid of?” he posed.
The CA had earlier cited that the continued live broadcast of the protests violated Articles 33(2) and 34(1) of the Constitution, which limit freedom of expression in instances of hate speech, incitement to violence, or ethnic hatred.
However, the opposition leaders rejected the interpretation, insisting the government is using constitutional provisions selectively to silence dissent.
Wamalwa expressed concerns that the media blackout may be a cover for deploying excessive force, including the military, to quell the protests.
“There is a reason why William Ruto wants this blackout,” Wamalwa said.
“People have come out to reject this system and the injustices. I suspect he wants to unleash the military on the citizens.
We are already aware that security forces are stationed at Nyayo Stadium. It’s a matter of time.”
He referred to last week’s demonstrations in Nairobi, which turned chaotic after unknown groups allegedly attacked peaceful protesters.
“The government cannot continue to use fear and force to silence Kenyans. This blackout only points to more sinister intentions,” Wamalwa added.
Across various counties today, protestors poured into the streets, demanding good governance and condemning what they described as betrayal by the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The protests, marking one year since the 2023 unrest against tax hikes, have become a symbol of public frustration over governance, rising cost of living, and perceived authoritarianism.
Reports of clashes between protesters and police emerged throughout the day, with rights groups raising alarm over the possibility of unreported abuses if media is blocked from broadcasting events in real time.
Media rights organizations and civil society groups have also condemned the CA’s directive, urging the government to respect constitutional freedoms and engage with public grievances through dialogue rather than suppression.
As tensions continue to rise, the opposition has called on all democratic institutions and international partners to stand in solidarity with the Kenyan people in defending the rule of law and press freedom.
“This country belongs to all of us,” Kalonzo said. “If we let this slide, tomorrow no voice will be safe.”
