At least 10 people have been reported dead and over 400 injured amid widespread protests that erupted on Wednesday across 26 counties and in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.
Led largely by youth, the protests coincided with the anniversary of last year’s deadly demonstrations against the Finance Bill. Major cities including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret saw unrest, with roads barricaded and bonfires lit by demonstrators.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Group and Receive Daily News
Traffic was severely affected after protesters blocked the Naivasha–Nakuru highway. In Nairobi, key roads and areas near State House were sealed off with razor wire, while Parliament was placed under heavy police and military guard. Protesters, waving national flags and carrying placards, chanted anti-government slogans like “Ruto must go,” targeting President William Ruto.
Earlier, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) issued a ban on live TV and radio coverage of the protests, citing breaches of legal and constitutional rules. The directive, signed by CA Director General David Mugonyi, warned broadcasters of consequences for non-compliance.
Following the ban, privately owned stations NTV and KTN were reportedly raided, and their transmission signals cut. The Kenya Editors Guild denounced the move, calling it a serious violation of press freedom and the Constitution. In a firm statement, the Guild insisted that live coverage serves a public interest function of transparency and accountability.
Later, the High Court of Kenya suspended the CA’s directive, declaring the live coverage ban unconstitutional and illegal in response to a petition from civil society groups.
Also Read: Amama Mbabazi’s Daughter Wanted Over Unpaid Shs 450m Loan
