LSK demands CA explains media shutdown
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) now wants the Communications Authority to explain to Kenyans reasons for the shut-down of broadcasting services by Citizen TV, NTV and KTN ahead of Tuesday 30, ‘swearing-in’ of NASA leader Raila Odinga.
Terming the move as a violation of the constitution, LSK President Isaac Okero said it is unfortunate for the State to interfere with the dissemination of information by the media.
The LSK boss added that the actions of the regulator appear to be a violation of Kenyans’ rights to receive information.
In the letter, the regulator has also been urged to outline lawful reasons for the actions taken to shut down the broadcasting services.
This comes after the Communications Authority of Kenya switched off the signals of three television stations and various radio stations under the Royal Media Services at exactly ten minutes after nine on Tuesday morning.
Citizen Television was the first to go off-air with NTV being switched off shortly afterwards. KTN was the third station affected with its signal being switched off two hours later.
At the main transmission centers in Limuru, Kiambu County, a contingent of security officers stood guard, surrounding the masts and barring engineers from accessing the area to turn the signals back on.
The three broadcasters however turned to the worldwide web and streamed live broadcasts of the swearing -in as it unfolded.
Royal Media Services Managing Director Wachira Waruru, condemned the action by the communications authority saying: “there has been no official communication as to why this action was taken. We are actively engaging the relevant government authorities to establish the reason for this action. We hope to resume normal broadcast as soon as possible.”
The matter yet to be resolved.
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