The High Court of Kenya at Nairobi intervened on June 25, 2025, issuing an order that provides relief to media stations affected by a recent shutdown. Following a petition by the Law Society of Kenya against the State Law Office, Justice Mwita directed the immediate restoration of broadcasting signals switched off due to a Communication Authority directive, addressing concerns over media freedom.
The court suspended the authority’s order, which had halted live coverage of demonstrations occurring on June 25, 2025, and any future protests until the hearing. This action responds to claims of potential violations of the Bill of Rights and media freedoms, with the court mandating that affected stations resume operations pending further legal proceedings.
Service of the court’s order can proceed through email, live television broadcasts, or newspapers, ensuring broad reach. The ruling also sets a hearing date for July 2, 2025, to delve into the petition’s core issues, with a penal notice warning of consequences for non-compliance, signed by Justice Mwita.
This decision reverses the earlier directive that silenced stations like NTV, KTN, and K24, which had been forcibly switched off during coverage of ongoing protests. The court’s action restores public access to real-time information, setting a precedent for balancing media rights with public order as the case advances.
The ruling marks a pivotal moment in Kenya’s ongoing debate over media regulation and constitutional protections. As the judiciary prepares to hear further arguments, the restoration of signals emphasizes the court’s role in safeguarding press freedom amidst Wednesday’s 25th demonstrations.
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