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The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has stormed the NTV and KTN transmission stations, deactivating the free-to-air signal and taking them off air.

In separate statements, both news houses confirmed that this was a result of them continuing to broadcast the live coverage of the protests despite an order from the authorities.

NTV confirmed that their Limuru transmission station had been interfered with, although they remain live on social media pages, including YouTube.

KTN also confirmed that although they had been taken off air, the live coverage continued on its KTN News YouTube page and Facebook and X platforms.

KTN and NTV Studios

File

Citizen TV has also been taken off air after it was confirmed that CA officials and police raided its Limuru transmission station.

Sharing a video of the officials arriving at the site, Citizen TV stated, "Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) officials arrive at Citizen TV’s transmission station in Limuru."

This action means that only Kenyans with subscriptions to satellite TV services can access the channels, as free-to-air signals like Signet and Pang are currently not available for the two stations.

Moments before the signals were switched off, CA released a statement directing all TV and radio stations to stop live coverage of the demonstrations, as it contravened Articles 33(2) and 34(1) of the constitution.

Read together, the two Articles allude to the fact that although press freedom and independence of electronic, print, and all other types of media are guaranteed, they do not extend to propaganda for war, incitement to violence, hate speech, or advocacy of hatred that constitutes ethnic incitement, vilification of others, or incitement to cause harm, or is based on discrimination. 

Shortly after this order, the Standard Group released a statement defending its decision to continue streaming on its TV and radio stations, stating that it would consult its lawyers to establish the legality of this order.

It also confirmed that similar threats had been made to the broadcasters during last year's anti-finance bill protests that left at least 60 dead, who are being commemorated in Wednesday's protests.

Just as in last year's protests, casualties have already been reported, with at least one reported dead in Matuu, Machakos County, from a police gunshot.

A photo of the KTN News Studios at Standard Media

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KTN News

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has ordered all television and radio stations in the country to stop live broadcasting of the ongoing June 25 demonstrations.

In a statement released on Wednesday, CA's Director General, David Mugonyi, stated that covering the protests contravenes both the Constitution and section 461 of the Kenya Information and Communications Act.

Mugonyi warned that the authority would take action against any stations that fail to adhere to the directive.

"The live coverage of the June 25th, 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, 1998," it stated.

A section of protestors climb a statue along Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

Kenyans.co.ke

"This is therefore to direct all television and radio stations to stop any live coverage of the demonstrations forthwith. Failure to abide by this directive will result in regulatory action as stipulated in the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998," it added.

Hundreds of protestors took to the streets on Wednesday to mark a year since the anti-finance demonstrations that left tens of young Kenyans dead.

In Nairobi, senior political figures, including former Chief Justice David Maraga and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka joined the protests, as did Eugene Wamalwa, leader of the Democratic Alliance of Kenya (DAP-Kenya), Busia Senator Okiyah Omtatah, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.

However, moments later, chaos erupted in the city's Central Business District (CBD) following a confrontation between protesters and anti-riot police officers, with the police firing tear gas in an attempt to disperse the demonstrators.

Maraga, who addressed the Press moments after touching down in CBD, castigated the excessive use of force on protestors by the police, stressing that such actions contravened the constitution.

"We strongly condemn the use of state violence against grieving families and peaceful protesters. The flagrant violation of the Constitution and human rights must stop," Maraga said.

In a statement earlier today, the Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen urged Kenyans to prioritise peace while demonstrating. Murkomen said that the security agencies will remain committed to protecting critical infrastructures and businesses. 

“As you go about your daily activities, be assured that your safety and the protection of your livelihoods are our top priority,” Murkomen said.

"For those who will turn up to exercise their constitutional right to demonstrate, we urge them to do so peacefully and unarmed as provided for in our laws. Peace is the foundation for a strong and prosperous Nation; let us all join hands to uphold it," he added.

Armed police officers confronting protesters in the Nairobi CBD on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

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The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has approved murder charges against Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam, Police Constables James Mukhwana and Peter Kimani, and three others over the death of Albert Ojwang while in police custody.

In a statement issued on Monday, DPP Renson Ingonga confirmed that the decision followed the conclusion of investigations and submission of case files by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).

“Following the directive, IPOA submitted the inquiry file to my office on June 22, 2025, for perusal and legal guidance. Upon receipt, I immediately constituted a team of senior prosecutors to conduct a comprehensive review,” read part of the statement.

“After careful examination of the evidence, I have approved murder charges against six individuals, including police officers Samson Kiprotich Talaam, James Mukhwana, and Peter Kimani.”

Nairobi Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam during a past court session in June 2025.

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Screengrab/Citizen TV

The six suspects are currently appearing before the Kibera High Court to answer to murder charges, contrary to Section 204 of the Penal Code, Cap. 63 of the Laws of Kenya, following the DPP’s approval of their prosecution.

The suspects are said to have assaulted Ojwang while in custody at the Central Police Station, Nairobi, leading to his death on June 8. 

The developments come after the High Court on Wednesday last week ruled that Talaam be detained for 15 days to allow police to complete their investigations into Ojwang’s case. The OCS was arrested on June 13 in Eldoret.

Magistrate Benmark Ekhubi, during the trial ruling, said that the prosecution had presented compelling reasons to warrant the denial of bail.

Two days before the development, the DPP had accused the embattled Taalam of paying a technician to delete CCTV footage linked to the death of the blogger. 

Appearing before the Milimani Law Courts, the DPP, through legal counsel, accused the OCS of interfering with crucial evidence in the ongoing investigation into the teacher's death. 

This was after it emerged that a technician was paid Ksh3,000 to delete the crucial footage that is said to be important in piecing together what happened to the blogger while in police custody. It was not immediately made public who paid for the deletion of the CCTV footage.

However, the prosecution on Monday last week claimed that Taalam, as the custodian of station records and surveillance systems, allegedly contracted the technician to tamper with the CCTV footage at the station in what is believed to be a deliberate attempt to obstruct justice.

The OCS has, however, in different court sessions, maintained that he was not involved in the circumstances surrounding the death of the blogger.

ODPP offices in Nairobi.

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ODPP

The police officer accused of shooting an unarmed mask vendor in Nairobi has been arrested on the orders of the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, the National Police Service has said.

According to a statement from Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, the officer who shot the vendor, identified as Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, at point-blank range at the height of the protests in Nairobi, will be arraigned in court. 

“Following this incident, the Inspector-General of the National Police Service ordered for the immediate arrest and arraignment in court of the involved officer. The said police officer has since been arrested,” Nyaga said.

While confirming the incident that has shocked the country, police said they noted an anti-riot officer had shot an “unarmed civilian using an anti-riot shotgun.”

A wide-angled picture of the police officer running towards the protester from a convoy of police along Moi Avenue, June 17, 2025.

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Africa Uncensored

This is the first statement from any government agency since the incident happened around 4pm.

Videos analysed by Kenyans.co.ke showed a police officer running towards a group of protesters who were along Mondlane Street near Imenti House before firing the first shot.

At this point, he was not near the victim, who was on the other corner of Imentin House along Mondlane Street. The officer was on Moi Avenue.

Minutes later, the officer walked towards a group of police officers who were camped next to Cabral Street opposite Nairobi Sports Center along Moi Avenue.

For some reason, after a few steps, he turned back and started running towards the protesters.

It is at this point that he encounters Mwangi, who was away from the protesters holding a bunch of face masks in one hand. This time, the officer was in the company of a colleague, and the two began to beat up Mwangi.

The vendor then falls to the ground, and then the second police officer hits the hawker with the butt of his gun. A few seconds passed, and then, the first officer aimed his gun at him and shot him at close range in the head.

Mwangi lies on the ground, bleeding helplessly. A section of protesters then runs to his aid and rushes him to Bliss Medical Center, where he receives first aid while awaiting an ambulance.

According to witnesses, a Red Cross Kenya ambulance approaches the medical centre near the National Archives as protesters gather outside in anger. Police then fired teargas to disperse the crowd, only for the ambulance to retreat.

Witnesses said the ambulance returned and took Mwangi to the Kenyatta National Hospital, where he is receiving treatment despite earlier reports of him succumbing to his injuries.

“The victim was taken to the hospital and he is receiving medical attention,” Nyaga said in his statement.

Police engaging the protester, who is shot moments later at Imenti House, June 17, 2025.

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Africa Uncensored

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered a raft of reforms targeting police stations across the country, key among them the mandatory installation of CCTV cameras in all stations within the next two years.

Under the new directive, each police station will be required to have functional CCTV surveillance systems, including live monitoring accessible by the Officer Commanding Station (OCS). The footage must be backed up securely to aid future investigations.

Murkomen further directed that all instances of assault or misconduct within stations be reported within an hour, with the CCTV systems expected to play a central role in ensuring accountability.

This will be rolled out across all 1,209 police stations in Kenya, with Parliament set to enact legislation that criminalises the deletion of CCTV footage.

A collage of CCTV cameras and a DVR recording interface.

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Techwizard/ Ease US

Additionally, the CS announced the full digitisation of Occurrence Books (OBs) across all police stations in a year. He said this would ensure that every report filed can be tracked, audited, and verified in real time to eliminate tampering and increase transparency.

Adding to these changes, Murkomen announced a community-focused integration plan to improve public trust and service delivery. He revealed that police operations will undergo regular independent audits to assess effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. High-performing officers and stations will be publicly recognised and rewarded.

''Officers will be required to work together with civil groups, religious groups, and local communities, and this shall undergo regular evaluation to see who is adhering to the set protocols,'' he directed.

To anchor the reforms, the CS directed the rollout of continuous development training, starting with OCSs, who will undertake minimum constitutional and professional conduct courses aimed at enhancing discipline, rights-based policing, and efficient service delivery.

“I have directed that continuous development training begin immediately, starting with OCSs, who will undergo minimum constitutional training to improve professionalism and accountability in the police service,” Murkomen stated.

Parliament and the Treasury will be working closely with his ministry to avail funds for the training exercises according to the outspoken CS. However, the CS decried cosntant budget cuts highlighting that training was the most affected. 

Meanwhile, Murkomen highlighted challenges in implementing Article 244 of the Constitution, which defines the objectives and functions of the National Police Service. He noted that the article demands high standards of professionalism, discipline, and strict adherence to human rights, areas where gaps persist.

Nevertheless, pressure continues to mount on the CS to direct Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat to step aside over the ongoing investigation. However, the CS has insisted that the due legal process must be followed.

Meanwhile, social media platforms have been flooded with calls for protests scheduled for Tuesday, with demonstrators expected to demand Lagat’s resignation over his alleged connection to the circumstances surrounding the death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody.

Collage of slain influencer Albert Ojwang and Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat.

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Kenyans.co.ke

Central Police Station Officer Commanding Station Samson Talaam has been arrested in Eldoret over the murder of Albert Ojwang.

According to reports, police say he was on the run and has since been handed over to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) for further questioning.

His lawyer Felix Kiprono confirmed the arrest and it followed IPOA confirming that the OCS was a person of interest in the case. Further, the Authority revealed that Ojwang died inside a Central Police Station jail cell.

His arrest comes after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss Mohammed Amin had revealed that the OCS should be treated as a prime suspect in Ojwang's murder.

Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss Amin Mohamed.

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DCI Kenya

Speaking before the Senate, Amin identified Talaam as the individual most responsible for Ojwang's death, which occurred on Sunday, June 8.

While giving his brief to Senate, Amin clarified that Talaam had declined to book Ojwang upon his arrival in Central Police contrary to initial reports. 

“It has further been confirmed that before the booking, the report office personnel called the OCS, who declined to book the suspect. Talaam is the Officer Commanding Central Police Station," he stated.

"Talaam is the OCS of Central Police Station, and by the totality of things, he should be treated as the prime suspect in this matter," Amin noted.

However, in a quick rejoinder, Talaam denied being the prime suspect in the murder. While giving his account to IPOA, Talaam recounted that on the day of the popular influencer's death, he was brought into the station in critical condition.

According to his account, given on Wednesday, June 11, Talaam and fellow officers attempted to save his life. They even rushed the late Ojwang to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

He further added that, contrary to reports, he did not object to Ojwang's booking at the station.

The OCS disclosed that he was not at the station when Ojwang was brought in but arrived after he was notified of Ojwang's critical state.

After news of Ojwang's murder broke and details of Central Police Station's role in the incident emerged, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja interdicted Talaam and five others.

Aside from Talaam, other interdicted officers included the deputy OCS, the deputy non-commissioned officer, crime aid officer, cell sentry officer, and report office personnel.

An aerial view of the entrance at the Central Police Station, Nairobi in 2022

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Jimmy Gitau

President William Ruto has broken his silence on the death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in custody and directed the police to fully cooperate in the investigations.

In a statement shared by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, Ruto ordered the National Police Service to work with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) in efforts to uncover the circumstances surrounding the death.

"I therefore call on the National Police Service to fully cooperate with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and to take every necessary measure to facilitate a swift, transparent, and credible investigation into the death of Ojwang," Ruto stated.

"As we mourn his passing, let us patiently but vigilantly follow the progress of the investigations without making premature judgements or drawing conclusions that could compromise the process and its outcome," he added.

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen (centre) arriving at the Senate precincts in the company of IG Douglas Kanja and DCI boss Amin Mohammed on June 11, 2025.

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Kipchumba Murkomen

Furthermore, Ruto maintained that he expects the agencies to provide him with a full update on what transpired and the actions taken.

"I fully expect that the truth about what happened to Ojwang will be established in due course, and that justice will be served."

The Head of State has also issued a warning to the police over the failure to ensure the safety of Ojwang while in their custody. According to him, it should be the responsibility of the NPS to ensure that whenever they take a person into custody, they should assume responsibility for that individual's safety. 

"It must be borne in mind by every member of the National Police Service that whenever they take a person into custody, they assume a tremendous responsibility for that individual's safety, security, and well-being, and must make every effort to discharge this duty conscientiously and without fail," Ruto noted.

While reflecting on his earlier decision to grant financial and institutional autonomy to the police service, President Ruto reiterated that the move was aimed at enhancing professionalism, effectiveness, and accountability within the force.

He maintained that the service must therefore rise to the challenge of firmly dealing with crime and lawlessness, while also eradicating misconduct and unprofessional behaviour within its ranks.

Additionally, Ruto sought to disassociate himself from any operational crackdown on the late Ojwang, revealing that he was shocked to learn about the circumstances surrounding the death.

He further lashed out at the police, stating: "This tragic occurrence, at the hands of the police, is heartbreaking and unacceptable. I strongly condemn the actions and omissions, including any negligence or outright criminality, that may have contributed to his untimely death."

Earlier, the influencer's death took a new twist after the IPOA revealed that critical CCTV footage from the Central Police Station OCS's office had been tampered with. The authority's Deputy Chairperson, Ann Wanjiku, made the revelation while appearing before the Senate.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, alongside DCI Boss Mohamed Amin during the Senate Plenary on Wednesday, June 11 2025.

Kenyans.co.ke

The late X influencer, Albert Ojwang's wounds were consistent with an assault from a third party, Pathologist Bernard Midia has revealed.

Midia made the revelation on Tuesday, June 10, at the Nairobi Funeral Home, ending 24 hours of intense speculation surrounding the teacher's death.

According to Midia, Ojwang's body had external injuries besides his head, which effectively ruled out the police's initial version of events that his wounds were self-inflicted. 

"The cause of death is very clear. A head injury, neck compression, and we also have other injuries on other parts of the body that are pointing towards assault," Midia said. 

A photo of Albert Ojwang, who passed away under unclear circumstances on Sunday, June 8 2025.

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Albert Ojwang.

The pathologist further revealed that specimens have been gathered and sent to other investigative agencies to gather more evidence to help in corroborating the initial pathologist's report. 

"When you combine all the injuries in the body, they are consistent with a struggle," he added. "There were signs of struggle generally, but they are well described in the report."

Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo seconded the post-mortem results, as she further claimed the late Ojwang's injuries were consistent with those of someone who was severely tortured before his death. 

The LSK boss also read malice in the circumstances of Ojwang's arrest, since the deceased's parents were only updated of his situation after he was confirmed dead.

"We want to know who picked him up in Homa Bay. We want to know all the places he was taken to and who was the one who gave orders for him to be picked up," the LSK boss said.

Initially slated for Monday, Ojwang's autopsy was pushed back by a day after government pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor stepped aside, citing a conflict of interest due to his blood relation to the deceased.

The autopsy report came after Ojwang's family lawyer gave insights on the state of his body on Monday, revealing that the late had hints of defensive wounds on his hands and back.

This revelation cast doubt on the National Police Service's initial version of events, which suggested Ojwang had hit his head on a cell wall hours after his detention at the Central Police Station.

On Tuesday, activist Fred Ogolla pointed an accusing finger at authorities, citing several glaring inconsistencies in how Ojwang's situation was handled immediately after he was allegedly discovered unconscious in his cell.

Ogolla noted that police had captured the late Ojwang's social media accounts, while CCTV footage at the Central Police station at the time the influencer was killed was unaccounted for.

Scenes at the Nairobi Funeral Home during the autopsy of the late X influencer Albert Ojwang on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

More to follow...

Chief Government Pathologist Dr Johansen Oduor has withdrawn from conducting Albert Ojwang's autopsy that was set for 2pm on Monday.

The autopsy that had earlier been scheduled to begin at 10am was moved to facilitate the arrival of Oduor.

According to reports, Oduor declined to conduct the autopsy on the grounds that Albert Ojwang is from his extended family. However, the government pathologist is still part of the medical team tasked with conducting the post-mortem, although he will not be directly involved. 

In the build-up to the autopsy, Julius Juma, the family's lawyer, said the family was unable to give a concrete position on what caused the death of the blogger, prompting the urgent need for a pathologist's report. 

Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor (Centre) flanked by officials from the DCI and Government Chemist. His autopsy report regarding Ken Walibora released on April 18, 2020, has raised questions.

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The renowned government pathologist was in the company of Ojwang's family from Monday morning, with reports suggesting he was engaged in a meeting with the deceased's immediate family members. The particulars of what was discussed have, however, not been made public yet.

Despite the withdrawal of Oduor from participating in the autopsy, several other pathologists were on site for the exercise, including one from the police reforms working group and the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU). 

At the time of publication of this article, the exact cause of death of Ojwang' was yet to be made public, although the family lawyer, who viewed the body earlier, suggested the late teacher's body had fatal wounds on his head while other secondary injuries were on his hands and shoulders. 

Also present at the City Mortuary for the autopsy report were representatives from various lobby groups, including Amnesty, the Law Society of Kenya, Defenders' Coalition, VOCAL Africa, among others. The groups are adamant they would not relent until all circumstances around Ojwang's death were clear. 

"We want serious action taken against the officers involved. We are following up on the post-mortem to make sure we know the reason behind his death," Activist Hussein Khalid revealed on Monday. 

Notably, Odour is a well-known government pathologist with a career spanning several decades and involvement in countless high-profile cases.

One of the most recent cases he was involved in was that of Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong'ondo Were, where he revealed the lawmaker died from excessive bleeding and collapse of vital organs.

Another high-profile case Oduor was involved in was that of slain Human Resources (HR) Manager Willis Ayieko. 

UPDATE: By Monday evening, there was no official autopsy report, with the exercise pushed to Tuesday, June 10 over apparent logistical challenges. 

A photo of Albert Ojwang, who passed away under unclear circumstances on Sunday, June 8 2025.

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Albert Ojwang.

Veteran author and scholar Ngugi wa Thiong'o is dead.

The news was announced by her daughter, Wanjiku wa Ngugi, who urged all those who knew him to celebrate his life and works.

"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dad, Ngugi wa Thiong'o, on the morning of Wednesday, May 28, 2025," she stated.

"He lived a full life and fought a good fight. As per his last wish, let us celebrate his life and his work," Wanjiku added.

The late veteran author and scholar Ngugi wa Thiong'o.

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Ngugi wa Thiong'o

The cause of Ngugi's death was not revealed, but the family disclosed that details regarding his funeral would be announced in due course.

"The family's spokesperson Nducu wa Ngugi will announce details of his celebration of life soon," Wanjiku said.

At the time of his demise, aged 87, Ngugi resided in California, United States, where he spent most of his years. Due to the nature of his work, which had rubbed those in power the wrong way, he had spent most of his life in exile or semi-exile since the 1980s.

This was especially following the banning of his politically critical play Ngaahika Ndeenda (I Will Marry When I Want) in the 1970s and his subsequent imprisonment.

The play brought Ngugi into the limelight and set him up for the nationalistic, social justice and struggle themes in his works. Aside from the play, Ngugi authored critically acclaimed books such as The River Between, Weep Not Child, A Grain of Wheat and Petals of Blood.

Ngugi’s novels were among the first by an East African to gain global attention. He helped shape post-colonial African literature by focusing on indigenous perspectives, challenging the Western gaze, and centring African history and experience.

Further, his decision to take the radical shift to switch his writing from English to his mother tongue, Kikuyu, endeared him to fans of his work. Ngugi believed that writing in indigenous languages would validate and elevate them, reconnect people with literature and could be used as a form of resistance.

However, his works subjected him to political persecution and in 1982, Ngugi went into self-imposed exile, first living in Britain and later in the US. After 22 years, he visited Kenya in 2004, but he and his wife were victims of an attack in their hotel, one seen as politically motivated.

Some of the awards and recognition he received include the Nonino International Prize for Literature (2001), Park Kyong-ni Prize (2016) and the PEN Award for Freedom of Expression.

Aside from being an author, Ngugi was also an academic, becoming a distinguished Professor of Comparative Literature and English at the University of California, Irvine (UCI).

Activist Boniface Mwangi with author Prof Ngugi wa Thiong'o in the United States in December 15, 2018

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Boniface Mwangi