NAIROBI, Kenya – The Standard Group has finally spoken out following the unlawful shutdown of KTN’s terrestrial signal by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK).
In a detailed statement seen by Y News, the media house alleged a plot by authorities to raid its Mombasa Road main offices following the CAK directive.
“We have received credible intelligence suggesting that authorities may be planning a raid on the Standard Group’s offices along Mombasa Road, allegedly for defying CA’s illegal directive,” the statement reads in part.
The media house said that it cannot take this information for granted, as it has been a victim of such past State action that involved hooded State agents and hired mercenaries in 2006.
“As we seek to establish the veracity of these claims, we urge the government to adhere to the rule of law,” the statement reads.
Why The Standard Group took issue with CAK
The Standard Group PLC further termed the CAK’s action as having been executed without any legal justification, following a directive shared on social media directing all broadcasters to halt TV and radio live coverage of Gen-Z demonstrations commemorating the first anniversary of the anti-tax protests of June 25, 2024.
“The Standard Group views this as a blatant violation of the Constitution, in particular Article 34, which safeguards media freedom and prohibits state interference in broadcasting or dissemination of information,” reads the statement.
According to The Standard, the Authority’s attempt to blackout KTN contravenes a recent High Court ruling affirming that the Media Council of Kenya, not the CAK, holds the mandate to oversee broadcast.
“Indeed, there exist elaborate legal channels to address any concerns about media conduct, and the overreach entirely bypasses these mechanisms. At the time of the shutdown, KTN was diligently and responsibly reporting on public demonstrations—events of critical public interest and a constitutionally protected expression of citizens’ rights,” said the media house.
The Standard Group stated that this interference not only undermines its editorial independence but also deprives Kenyans of their right to access information during a pivotal moment.
Which are the media brands under The Standard Group
Y News knows that the multi-media organisation, which owns various media platforms, including the Standard newspaper, television stations (KTN), and radio stations, said that it undertakes its operations with responsibility.
“We urge Kenyans and our loyal audience to follow KTN livestream on our YouTube channels and social media platforms. In the meantime, we will pursue all avenues available to us to restore our broadcast signal,” the statement added.
While asking the CAK to withdraw the illegal action, the media house moved to encourage the Authority to conduct its regulatory role by the law of the land and that of natural justice.
“We warn all CAK officers that there will be personal culpability for all illegal actions, and no matter how long it takes, justice will be pursued. In all this, we stand with the people of Kenya,” said the media house.
The Standard Group PLC further reiterated that it remains resolute in its mission to uphold fearless, independent and trustworthy journalism.
“We restate our commitment to serving the public while remaining true to the journalistic tenets of truth, accuracy and accountability,” the lengthy statement concluded.
