Nairobi, Kenya – June 26, 2025: Paradigm Initiative (PIN) strongly condemns the recent media and internet restrictions imposed during the June 25 protests in Kenya. The directive by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) instructing broadcasters to halt live coverage, along with the suspension of Telegram and other digital platforms, constitutes a grave violation of the rights to freedom of expression and access to information.
This alarming trend of digital repression is not new. The Government of Kenya has previously shut down internet services during the 2023 and 2024 national examination periods and the 2024 #RejectFinanceBill protests. It has become evident that Kenya uses internet shutdowns to, among others, limit access to information during protests, an action that is against international human rights standards.
The latest shutdown also directly violates a High Court injunction issued on May 14, 2025, which prohibits any interference with access to the internet and platforms such as Telegram. Furthermore, on June 25, 2025, the High Court delivered a second critical ruling, declaring that the Communications Authority lacks the legal mandate to issue gag orders to media houses. These rulings underscore the judiciary’s clear stance that such directives are unconstitutional and infringe upon protected freedoms.
Censorship of digital platforms undermines Articles 33, 34, and 35 of the Constitution of Kenya, which guarantee the rights to freedom of expression, freedom of the media, and access to information. These actions also breach international standards, including Article 9(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 19(2) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
Moreover, Principle 38(2) of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa states that ‘States shall not engage in or condone any disruption of access to the internet and other digital technologies for segments of the public or an entire population.’
As such, Paradigm Initiative calls for the following:
- The government of Kenya rescinds its decision to block access to Telegram and any other social media platform and grant immediate access to the Internet.
- The government to refrain from any such future conduct that violates freedom of expression and access to information.
- The Government should fully comply with the May 14 ruling prohibiting interference with internet and Telegram access, and the June 25 judgment declaring media restrictions by the Communications Authority unconstitutional in violation of media freedom.
– ENDS –