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<blockquote><div class="quotetitle">Quote from <a class="profile-link highlight-moderator" href="https://lawguide.co.ke/understanding-law/legal-forum/profile/lawyer/">Lawyer</a> on June 27, 2025, 8:00 am</div><div id="pl-6624"  class="panel-layout" ><div id="pg-6624-0"  class="panel-grid panel-no-style" ><div id="pgc-6624-0-0"  class="panel-grid-cell"  data-weight="1" ><div id="panel-6624-0-0-0" class="so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child" data-index="0" data-style="{&quot;background_image_attachment&quot;:false,&quot;background_display&quot;:&quot;tile&quot;,&quot;background_image_size&quot;:&quot;full&quot;,&quot;background_image_opacity&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;border_thickness&quot;:&quot;1px&quot;}" ><div
			
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	<p dir="ltr" data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, has sparked controversy by accusing sections of the Kenyan media of inciting violent protests through what he described as “activist-style” live coverage. Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi, Murkomen claimed that certain media outlets had crossed ethical boundaries, effectively mobilizing protesters and exacerbating unrest during nationwide demonstrations on June 25, 2025. The minister’s remarks, which included warnings of potential media shutdowns, have raised alarms about press freedom in Kenya, a country already grappling with tensions over governance and police conduct.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The accusations come in the wake of youth-led protests that erupted across Kenya on June 25, 2025, marking the one-year anniversary of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations, which saw parliament stormed and at least 60 deaths. This year’s protests, largely driven by Generation Z activists, were fueled by lingering anger over government corruption, police brutality, and a lack of accountability for last year’s violence. Demonstrators took to the streets in Nairobi and other cities, demanding justice for those killed in previous clashes, including a blogger who died in police custody under controversial circumstances.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The protests turned deadly, with reports confirming at least 10 fatalities and hundreds of injuries. In Nairobi, police clashed with large crowds attempting to approach parliament and State House, the president’s official residence. Scenes of looting and arson followed in some areas, further escalating tensions. Murkomen described the protests as an attempt at “regime change,” labeling them a threat to national security and accusing protesters of terrorism.</p>
<p dir="ltr">During his press conference, Murkomen singled out media houses for their live coverage of the protests, alleging that their reporting was not only biased but also served to direct and embolden demonstrators. “The biggest problem with live broadcasting is the idea that media becomes the center of mobilization for some of these protesters,” he stated, adding that some outlets were “directing” the crowds. He argued that such coverage compromised national interest and justified government orders to halt live broadcasts by several TV and radio stations on June 25.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The decision to suspend live coverage came as casualties were reported at Kenyatta National Hospital, and parliament buildings were barricaded to prevent a repeat of last year’s breach. Murkomen defended the move, asserting that it was necessary to maintain order and protect the state. He also indicated that the government was prepared to face legal challenges over the shutdowns, with the minister personally ready to appear before Justice Mwita to explain the decision.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Murkomen’s accusations and the government’s actions have drawn sharp criticism from media stakeholders, civil society, and protest leaders. Critics argue that the government is attempting to suppress dissent and shift blame from its own failures to address public grievances. The media, they contend, was merely fulfilling its role by reporting events as they unfolded. One prominent commentator remarked that Murkomen was trying to “shoot the messenger” after failing to address the root causes of the protests, including economic hardship and police violence.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The warnings of potential media shutdowns have heightened fears of a broader crackdown on press freedom. Over the past year, Kenya’s government has faced accusations of restricting civic space, both online and offline, in response to public dissent. A recent report highlighted an “all-out assault” on civic freedoms, citing increased surveillance, arrests, and censorship since the 2024 protests. The government’s latest moves against the media have only intensified these concerns, with many viewing them as an attempt to control the narrative surrounding the protests.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The protests and the government’s response reflect deeper issues in Kenya’s political and economic landscape. Since President William Ruto took office in 2022, citizens have faced rising taxes, including doubled fuel levies and new housing and health insurance taxes, which have disproportionately affected low-income earners. These policies, combined with allegations of corruption and a lack of accountability for police actions, have fueled public discontent, particularly among the youth.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The 2025 protests were also a call to honor those who lost their lives in the 2024 demonstrations, which were sparked by a controversial tax bill. The government’s decision to barricade parliament and deploy heavy police presence this week underscores the sensitivity of the anniversary and the ongoing challenge of addressing public demands for reform.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Murkomen’s remarks were not without context. He argued that the protests posed a significant threat to national stability, pointing to the violence and destruction that followed the demonstrations. The minister claimed that the government had exercised restraint, with police forced to hold back large crowds to prevent further chaos. He also reiterated that the state would prioritize national security over what he described as “irresponsible journalism.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Interior Ministry’s actions have been supported by some government officials, who argue that media sensationalism amplifies unrest. However, others within the administration have remained silent, leaving Murkomen as the primary voice defending the controversial measures.</p>
<p dir="ltr">As Kenya navigates this period of unrest, the tension between the government and the media is likely to persist. Protest leaders have vowed to continue their campaign, demanding accountability and systemic change. Meanwhile, media houses face the daunting prospect of operating under the threat of shutdowns, with some already challenging the government’s actions in court.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The events of June 25, 2025, have once again highlighted the fragility of Kenya’s democratic institutions. With the government accusing the media of fueling protests and protesters accusing the state of oppression, the nation stands at a crossroads. The coming weeks will likely determine whether dialogue and reform can prevail over confrontation and censorship.</p>
<p dir="ltr">For now, the streets of Nairobi remain tense, and the airwaves are filled with uncertainty. As one protester put it, “We’re not just fighting for today; we’re fighting for a future where our voices are heard, not silenced.”</p>
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