Editorial |
The Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) has yet again reminded us why vigilance must never sleep. Its latest directive to suspend live coverage of the ongoing protests is not only an affront to the Constitution—it is an outright abuse of administrative power.
We state it plainly: CA has no business in newsroom decisions.
This is not a grey area. The High Court has ruled. The Constitution is unambiguous.
Regulation of media content is the preserve of the Media Council of Kenya. Not CA. Not State House. Not any arm of the Executive.
When an institution entrusted with national communications infrastructure begins issuing illegal commands to silence the press, we must all be alarmed.
This is not about “responsible coverage”—it is about information control, the kind used to conceal abuse, mask violence, and steal public conscience in broad daylight.
And let us not ignore the timing. Protests are growing. Discontent is mounting. The nation is at an inflexion point. A national conversation is overdue. The leaders must listen.
In these moments, the media plays its highest constitutional role: bearing witness, informing citizens, and preserving truth. That the CA would choose this hour to muzzle the press exposes the true intent—not order, but silence.
We urge all journalists and media houses – big and small – to remain steadfast. Defy illegal orders. Say the truth. Stand with the people. Shine the light.
The Anchor stands in full solidarity with the Kenya Media Sector Working Group and demands immediate retraction of CA’s illegal directive, respect for court rulings, and protection for every journalist reporting from the front lines—including NTV’s Ruth Sarmwei, and othrrs who was senselessly injured in the line of duty.
Kenya is not a dictatorship. Not yet. And not today.
Let the CA take note: the media will not blink.
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