Murkomen accuses media of fueling protests, warns of possible shutdowns
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, flanked by senior government security officials, addresses the media at Harambee House in Nairobi on June 26, 2025.
What you need to know:
- Mr Murkomen said media houses could be shut down if their actions threaten national stability.
- He also accused some outlets of becoming tools for political actors rather than impartial arbiters.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has accused media houses of playing an active role in mobilising recent anti-government protests, warning that the government will not hesitate to shut down outlets deemed a threat to national security.
Mr Murkomen alleged that some media outlets had abandoned journalistic ethics and instead provided tactical support to protesters through live broadcasts, commentary and headlines he described as inflammatory.
“The biggest problem with live broadcasting is that the media becomes the centre of mobilisation for some of these protesters. Some media stations were directing the protesters... that is very irresponsible journalism,” said Murkomen.
While affirming the government’s commitment to press freedom, CS Murkomen cautioned that media houses could be shut down if their actions threaten national stability.
“You have to weigh between national interests and the individual rights of a media house. National interests will always come first and if it is necessary to close a media house to save the nation, of course we will do it,” he said.
Citing the role of the media during Kenya’s 2007/2008 post-election violence, the minister said the government would act early to prevent a repeat of such a crisis.
He also called for greater responsibility and self-regulation within the media industry, accusing some outlets of becoming tools for political actors rather than impartial arbiters.
“If this country burns, it is a loss to everybody. It is unfortunate that political actors are now relying on the media, and the media is failing to provide balanced coverage,” he said.
He further claimed that reporters and anchors contributed to the mobilisation of crowds by airing updates on protest routes and conducting interviews that encouraged others to join.
“In fact, most media houses work hard during the onset of protests to tell people, ‘Wengine wamekuja, sasa tayari ndio hawa.’ They interview people on the streets, asking, ‘What do you tell those who are still at home?’ They are directly participating in mobilising people,” he said.
His remarks come a day after the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) ordered a temporary suspension of live transmissions, citing concerns over national security and public order during renewed street protests marking the June 25, 2024 anniversary.
In a directive dated June 25, CA Director General David Mugonyi cited violations of Articles 33(2) and 34(1) of the Constitution, along with Section 461 of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998, as the basis for the ban.
“The live coverage of the June 25, 2025 demonstrations is contrary to Articles 33(2) and 34(1) of the Constitution of Kenya and Section 461 of the Kenya Information and Communications Act,” the statement read.
However, in a follow-up letter yesterday, CA suspended the directive effectively lifting the ban on live coverage for the next three weeks.
“Reference is made to our earlier communication dated June 25 on the Authority's directive banning live coverage of demonstrations. We wish to inform you that the above-referred directives have been lifted forthwith,” the statement said.