Citizen, NTV and KTN TV Stations Shut Down ahead of Raila’s Swearing-in

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) shut down major television and radio stations in the country ahead of Raila’s ‘swearing-in’.

The three major TV stations including KTN News, Citizen TV and NTV went off air on Tuesday morning as they aired events ahead the swearing in of opposition leaders Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka at Uhuru Park grounds in Nairobi.

In a statement, Standard Group Editorial Director Joseph Odindo confirmed that their stations were closed over unknown reasons.

Royal Media Services in a statement issued by Managing Director, Waruru Wachira said the Communication Authority had disconnected Citizen and Inooro TV transmission.

On Friday, the state had allegedly threatened to shut down media stations that will air the National Super Alliance inauguration ceremony at Uhuru Park.

In a statement on Monday evening, the Kenya Editors Guild condemned the summoning of media managers by President Kenyatta at state house in Nairobi, where the warning was reportedly issued.

“We have just learned today that on Friday last week, a section of media managers and select editors from the main media houses were quietly summoned to a meeting at the State House, Nairobi, the objectives which were unknown. But the proceedings should be clear cause for alarm to the media and the public,” read part of the statement released by Editors Guild Chairman Linus Kaikai.

“The brief meeting attended by President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, ICT Secretary Joe Mucheru and AG Githu Muigai did not bode well for the freedom of expression and press in the country,” the statement further read.