Kenya’s media regulator has threatened to revoke local media outlets’ broadcast licences if they do not exercise caution when reporting opposition demonstrations.
On Monday, police engaged opposition fans in running battles in Nairobi’s capital. Police allegedly fired and killed a university student in the western town of Kisumu.
The opposition charges the government of being illegitimate and failing to address rising living costs. Local television networks broadcast live coverage of the protests, including clashes between police and demonstrators. Television cameras also trailed Raila Odinga’s convoy as he drove through Nairobi’s residential suburbs to rally his fans.
The Communications Authority of Kenya said in a statement that at least six TV stations violated the programming rule in their coverage.
According to the code, “violent, sensational, or alarming details that are not essential to factual reporting” are not permitted. It stated that failure to follow rules will result in penalties such as the revocation of broadcast licences and frequencies.
Mr Odinga has stated that the demonstrations will be held every Monday and Thursday.