Members of Parliament from the Public Investment Committee have warned the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA's) Director General, David Mugonyi, against pushing Kenya towards anarchy after a recent directive ordering the shutdown of televisions.
The CA elicited tensions in the country after ordering all radio and TV stations to stop livestreaming the June 25 protests. The CA went further to shut down several stations that continued streaming.
The directive elicited tensions in the country as questions built up on media freedom.
During the session that took place on Thursday, July 17, MPs led by the chairperson, Caleb Amisi, grilled Mugonyi over the legality and implications of the blackout, warning that such actions risk undermining Kenya’s democratic foundations.
“If we are going to look for a loophole to move out of that law, we are still going back to anarchy. Do not become an agent of anarchy. It will be bad for this country,” warned MP Amisi.
The June 25 directive in question cited alleged violations of Articles 33(2) and 34(1) of the Constitution, as well as Section 461 of the Kenya Information and Communications Act. In the notice, CA Director-General David Mugonyi warned broadcasters that failure to comply would result in regulatory action, including possible license suspension.
However, Members of Parliament challenged the Authority, accusing it of overstepping its mandate.
“Do not become an agent of anarchy. It may feel comfortable for you now, but the repercussions for this country will be felt for years to come,” Amisi reiterated.
The committee maintained that any regulation of the media must be anchored in the law and follow due process, not be based on arbitrary or punitive directives.
“Rwanda went down with just a click of a rogue person in the media. Countries have collapsed because one person followed unlawful orders from another rogue leader,” the committee noted.
Echoing Amisi’s sentiments, another member emphasised that Kenya had made significant democratic progress that must not be undone.
“Let us not destroy what we’ve built. We want a better Kenya today and tomorrow. Let the media be responsible, yes, but let you also be responsible. Let all of us be responsible so that whatever we do today is protected tomorrow,” the MP added.
On his part, Mugonyi defended the move, maintaining that the CA was acting on its rightful mandate as stipulated in the constitution.
“I would say the CA is guided by the Constitution and rightfully put Article 33 and 34 of the Constitution of Kenya. We are also guided by the Kenya Information and Communication Act, Section 461, on issues at hand when the media is to be limited,” Mugonyi maintained.
