Concern has mounted over the airing of this weekend’s Kenya Premier League (KPL) fixtures, after Azam TV, the Tanzanian-based broadcaster with the airing rights, announced a disruption in their network services.
Through a statement released on Friday, October 31, Azam revealed the issues, but maintained that it was attempting to resolve the situation as protests rocked Tanzania during the elections.
Azam has the sole broadcasting rights of KPL matches, and a major disruption could put this weekend’s coverage in jeopardy.
“Dear valued customers, we are experiencing network issues that are affecting Azam TV services. We are currently working to resolve the issue,” it said.
“Kindly be patient with us as we resolve the issues,” added the Tanzanian broadcaster.
The latest comes as protests have clouded the Tanzanian General Election, after Tanzanians across the country took to the streets to protest against incumbent President Samia Suluhu.
On Wednesday, protests rocked major cities in Tanzania, with scenes of protesters destroying ballot boxes and engaging police in running battles dominating media coverage.
In a bid to quell tensions, Tanzania police evoked a 6pm curfew, but that did little to help the situation as protests spilt over to Thursday, October 30. Clips of the protest show irate civilians chanting words like "We want our country back".
Schools in Tanzania remain closed, while civil servants were instructed to work from home until the situation is de-escalated.
Reports have indicated that several protesters have lost their lives, with the Tanzanian military deployed to control the situation.
A communication blackout was also enforced, with internet observer Netblocks reporting a disruption to the nation’s internet.
Meanwhile, the KPL is set to proceed to game week seven, with nine fixtures set to be played across Saturday and Sunday. Currently, Kakamega Homeboyz are the league leaders, with 13 points after six games.
KPL giants Gor Mahia are one point adrift in second, with defending champions, Kenya Police, at 16th place in the relegation zone after a torrid start to the season.
