NAIROBI, Kenya – Opposition leaders led by Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper) and Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-K) have strongly opposed the Communication Authority of Kenya (CAK) director to ban on live coverage of the June 25 protests.
Addressing the press in Nairobi, the party leaders expressed disappointment following the government’s directive.
“We have just received sad news and unacceptable news that the Communication Authority of Kenya (CAK) has ordered the closure of independent media stations. We want to remind them that this is not acceptable,” said Kalonzo.
Kalonzo disclosed that already, they are already in sync with the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) to reject the directive.
“We are also members of LSK, both Eugene and I, and we have already moved to court to stop this nonsense. We say so, because Kenyans have the right under Article 35 the right to information. And again, the articles that CAK are quoting, 33 and 34, are very clear that the freedom of the press is guaranteed, which tells you cannot arbitrarily take that freedom, so they must stop that nonsense,” explained Kalonzo.
How Kalonzo Musyoka defended the affected media houses
The Wiper party leader questioned why President William Ruto went to the extent of calling for the suspension of live media coverage of the demonstrations.
“The whole world is open, and even Kenyans would want to know what is happening, and even if he wants to close all the media houses, how about those with mobile phones? The horse has left the stable, and Kenyans are moving from every part of the country in exercise of their constitutional right,” added Kalonzo.
Kalonzo also wondered what crime the affected media houses had committed.
“They are carrying the information about what is happening. If you want to say that the language is foul or otherwise, it is not because the stations are airing this content; therefore, you can’t stop content. So, we heavily come out against this, and we shall be talking further, but we hope the courts will work expeditiously and stop this nonsense,” Kalonzo further explained.
Why President William Ruto is afraid of live media coverage
While quoting John 3:20, which says that evil lurks in darkness, Wamalwa said there was a reason why the head of state wants a media blackout.
“William Ruto wants this blackout, and Kenyans are following what is happening across the country. People have come out from every corner of this country to reject this government. But when you look at what Ruto is trying to do, you can only conclude that he wants to unleash the military on the citizens,” said Wamalwa.
He also claimed that the State was ready to deploy the military against the citizens in the absence of the media.
“As we speak, we are meant to understand that the military is stationed at Nyayo National Stadium, and I think he (Ruto) has also mobilised goons to neutralise these protests,” Wamalwa further claimed.
