Atwoli defends govt media shutdown during June 25 protests
The Secretary-General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), Francis Atwoli, has publicly defended the government’s decision to impose a media shutdown during the Wednesday, June 25, 2025, demonstrations, describing legal challenges against the directive as unwarranted.
Speaking on Friday, June 27, 2025, Atwoli expressed surprise at the move to contest the government’s order in court, emphasising his experience with government directives.
“I have been everywhere, and I have never seen a government officer directive being challenged in court,” he stated.
The media shutdown was implemented amid nationwide protests that escalated into violence and destruction. The Communication Authority (CA) cited the need to curb misinformation and maintain public order as reasons for the directive, which temporarily restricted media coverage and social media platforms.
Atwoli’s remarks come in the wake of media houses and rights groups filing petitions to overturn the shutdown, arguing that it infringed on freedom of expression and the public’s right to information.
However, Atwoli insisted that the government acted within its mandate to ensure national security.
“Challenging the government’s directive on media gag following the June 25 demos is uncalled for,” he asserted.
The COTU leader further stressed the importance of compliance with official orders during times of unrest. He suggested that questioning such directives undermines government efforts to restore peace and stability.
While acknowledging the significance of media freedom, Atwoli maintained that exceptional circumstances demand exceptional measures.
“In situations where public safety is at risk, the government must take decisive action,” he explained.
Atwoli’s defence of the media shutdown underscores the tension between security concerns and constitutional freedoms in Kenya, especially during periods of civil unrest.
He urged stakeholders to prioritise national unity and cooperate with government initiatives aimed at stabilising the country.
“We need peace and order for development to continue,” he asserted.
The legal battle
The High Court in Nairobi froze a directive by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) stopping media houses from broadcasting protests live and ordered all stations to immediately resume airing.
The ruling came hours after CA director David Mugonyi issued the directive. Justice Chacha Mwita intervened in a case filed by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), terming the move unlawful.
“A conservatory order is hereby issued suspending, with immediate effect, the directive Ref No. CA/CE/BC/TV90A or any other directive issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya to all television and radio stations directing them to stop live coverage of the demonstrations of June 25, 2025 or any other demonstrations, until the hearing and determination of the application and petition,” ruled Justice Mwita.
He added: “Any broadcasting signals that may have been switched off as a result of the referenced directive be restored with immediate effect, pending further orders of the court.”
LSK argued that the directive was illegal and excessive, and intended to shield police from scrutiny during the protests.
