According to lawyers, the move by the government to switch off local TV stations is unconstitutional. [Photo/Citizen]
Kenyans have reacted angrily at the switching off of major local TV stations after the government made good its threat to carry out the action.
The government, through the interior security ministry on Monday, held a meeting with the media houses and directed them not to air any live coverage of today’s planned swearing-in ceremony of NASA leaders Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka.
According to lawyer Steve Ogolla, the move is unconstitutional, and will only heighten the anxiety.
“This is an unconstitutional move; the government has no right to arbitrary switch off stations. If you believe that the media is going to air any material that will be inflammatory or heighten public agitation, the courts are open,” he said when he spoke to KTN TV.
He added: “Limitation of rights, including rights to freedom of media must be within the confines of article 24 (3), which say if here is a legitimate need, then you must indicate that though the high court,”
He added that the move was infringing on rights to access of information by Kenyans, as well as the media rights.
Kenyans have taken to social media to vent their disappointment, saying the government is taking the country back to the dark days.