Protests sprawl across counties as gov't shuts down broadcast signals

Thousands of youths on Tuesday engaged police in running battles in Kenya's capital Nairobi and other regions across the country to commemorate Gen Z demonstrators killed in June 2024.

In Nairobi, protesters blocked major roads, significantly affecting transport, communication, and businesses. 

As at 5pm, Kamiti Road was full of boulders and small stones. Protesters also burned tyres on the road. Commuters from Kahawa West to Roysambu were left with no option, but to trek.

Other roads affected included Thika Superhighway, and Outering Road.

In Nyeri town, protesters chanted anti-government slogans during the anniversary protests held to commemorate Gen Z demonstrators killed during last year’s anti-Finance Bill unrest on June 25.

They attempted to storm the Nyeri Central Police Station and Chieni Supermarket, owned by Kieni MP Njoroge Wainaina, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.

Officers lobbed tear gas canisters throughout the afternoon to disperse the crowds.

During the June 2025 demonstrations, Chieni Supermarket branches in Nyeri and Nanyuki were invaded and looted, with losses running into millions of shillings.

In anticipation of possible chaos, businesses within Nyeri's Central Business District (CBD) remained closed for the better part of the day.

All three major matatu termini were deserted, halting public transport operations.

Speaking to the media, Nyeri County Chief Officer for Trade, Tourism, Culture and Cooperative Development George Mwangi urged protesters to maintain peace and avoid vandalism.

“We did not expect such a large turnout for the anniversary protests. Businesses have closed, and the message has already been sent. I appeal to our young people to refrain from destroying property and looting business premises,” Mwangi said.

A section of the protester broke into Naivas Supermarket in Nyeri town where they stole several items.

By press time, no injuries or arrests had been officially reported, but tension remained high as security personnel maintained a strong presence in the town.

The demonstrations in Nyeri were part of a broader, countrywide movement marking one year since the fatal protests against the Finance Bill, 2024, which sparked a wave of public dissent, particularly among the youth.

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) directed broadcasters to suspend live coverage of Wednesday’s protest commemorations — a move media houses say is illegal, unconstitutional, and meant to suppress truth.

Moments later, in a firm joint statement, the Kenya Media Sector Working Group (KMSWG) called on all media houses to ignore the directive and continue normal programming without fear or interference.

“Switching off the media is not a solution to what the country is facing,” the statement read.

“These outdated and unproductive decisions only aggravate the matter.”

CA switched off some Free-to-Air signals including that of NTV which is owned by Nation Media Group (NMG).

The protests, held across the country, mark one year since 63 young Kenyans were killed by police during the Gen Z-led demonstrations on June 25, 2024.

Families and citizens gathered peacefully to honour those who died — but were met with police force and media suppression.

Protests were also witnessed in Mombasa, Kisii, Nakuru, Narok, Eldoret in Uasin Gishu, and Kakamega. There were protests in Kiambu, Nanyuki in Laikipia, Wote in Makueni, Embu, and Bungoma. Additionaly, there were protests in Meru, Nyandarua, Kajiado, Machakos, and Kirinyaga.

According to the KMSWG, the CA’s directive is not only a breach of Article 34 of the Constitution, which guarantees media freedom, but also defies a recent High Court ruling that stripped the authority of any power to regulate broadcast content.

That mandate, the statement noted, rests with the Media Council of Kenya (MCK).

The group also raised alarm over possible internet disruptions, which would violate Articles 33 and 35 on freedom of expression and access to information.

Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) under the leadership of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, asked the government to restore the broadcast signals of the targetted media houses.

DCP also warned against excessive use of police force on demonstrators.

Meanwhile, NTV journalist Ruth Sarmwei was reportedly shot with a rubber bullet while covering the protests, drawing further condemnation from the media coalition.

“This was not collateral damage. It was an unacceptable act of violence against a journalist performing her duty,” the statement read.

Calling for respect of the Constitution, the coalition urged security agencies to uphold the rights of peaceful protesters and journalists alike.

“We are a country governed by the rule of law. Government agencies must operate within the confines of the Constitution and court decisions.”

With growing unease over press freedom and state overreach, Kenya’s media has drawn a line--they will not be silenced.