The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party and the Uganda National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) have condemned the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) for ordering a halt to live coverage of Wednesday’s protests.
CA yesterday directed media houses to cease live broadcasts of the protests, prompting several stations, including KTN, NTV, and K24 to go off-air for several hours before a court lifted the directive.
“In a further act of desperation, President Ruto directed the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) to ban all live broadcasts of the protests, citing a deliberate misreading of the Constitution, which protects freedom of expression and media independence,” the Julius Malema-led EFF said in a statement.
The South African opposition party accused the Kenyan government of attempting to ‘control the narrative, conceal state crimes, and rule through fear.’
The Uganda Broadcasters Association, on the other han,d also criticised the directive, calling it an attack on fundamental rights.
“We stand in solidarity with our colleagues in Kenya. Media freedom is a bedrock of democracy, and undue interference with it is an attack on people’s fundamental human rights. Live coverage of public demonstrations is a pillar of transparent and accountable governance and a fundamental aspect of the public’s right to know,” the association stated.
The association further urged the Kenyan government to respect constitutional principles safeguarding media independence and freedom of expression. It also expressed support for Kenyan media’s continued efforts to uphold press freedom in the public interest.
In addition to its stance on media censorship, the EFF also condemned the reported police brutality and fatalities during the protests, calling for accountability from President Ruto.
“We call on President Ruto to end all acts of state violence and censorship: hold those responsible for these killings and those of last year’s protests accountable, restore full media freedom, and face the people with answers and immediate reforms, not force,” the party said.
The EFF also lauded the Kenyan youth for their continued fight for freedom, reaffirming its support.
“President Ruto has shown that he is unwilling to lead with dignity. The EFF once again declares its full solidarity with the youth of Kenya as we did last year in their fight against austerity through the Finance Bill.”
At least eight people were killed and more than 400 injured during Wednesday’s protests, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party and the Uganda National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) have condemned the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) for ordering a halt to live coverage of Wednesday’s protests.
CA yesterday directed media houses to cease live broadcasts of the protests, prompting several stations, including KTN, NTV, and K24 to go off-air for several hours before a court lifted the directive.
“In a further act of desperation, President Ruto directed the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) to ban all live broadcasts of the protests, citing a deliberate misreading of the Constitution, which protects freedom of expression and media independence,” the Julius Malema-led EFF said in a statement.
The South African opposition party accused the Kenyan government of attempting to ‘control the narrative, conceal state crimes, and rule through fear.’
The Uganda Broadcasters Association, on the other han,d also criticised the directive, calling it an attack on fundamental rights.
“We stand in solidarity with our colleagues in Kenya. Media freedom is a bedrock of democracy, and undue interference with it is an attack on people’s fundamental human rights. Live coverage of public demonstrations is a pillar of transparent and accountable governance and a fundamental aspect of the public’s right to know,” the association stated.
The association further urged the Kenyan government to respect constitutional principles safeguarding media independence and freedom of expression. It also expressed support for Kenyan media’s continued efforts to uphold press freedom in the public interest.
In addition to its stance on media censorship, the EFF also condemned the reported police brutality and fatalities during the protests, calling for accountability from President Ruto.
“We call on President Ruto to end all acts of state violence and censorship: hold those responsible for these killings and those of last year’s protests accountable, restore full media freedom, and face the people with answers and immediate reforms, not force,” the party said.
The EFF also lauded the Kenyan youth for their continued fight for freedom, reaffirming its support.
“President Ruto has shown that he is unwilling to lead with dignity. The EFF once again declares its full solidarity with the youth of Kenya as we did last year in their fight against austerity through the Finance Bill.”
At least eight people were killed and more than 400 injured during Wednesday’s protests, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
By Sharon Wanga