A coalition of 27 international organizations and Kenyan associations has issued a stark warning against possible internet and mass media disruptions during this week’s demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024 in Kenya.
The group, which includes prominent organizations such as Access Now, Amnesty International Kenya, and the Law Society of Kenya, expressed deep concern about the potential for communication blackouts as citizens prepare to protest under the hashtag #RejectFinanceBill2024.
In a joint statement released on June 24, 2024, the coalition emphasized the critical role of the internet and mass media in upholding citizens’ rights to information, self-expression, and participation in policy-making processes. They warned that any attempt to shut down or throttle internet services, shadow-ban hashtags, or restrict live media reporting would constitute a “gross violation of fundamental human rights.”
The statement was signed by a diverse group of organizations, including Access Now, Amnesty International Kenya, Article 19 Eastern Africa, the Law Society of Kenya, The Police Reforms Working Group, the Bloggers Association of Kenya, the Kenya Human Rights Commission, and the Kenya Medical Association. This broad coalition represents a wide range of interests, from digital rights advocates to legal professionals and medical practitioners.
It highlighted the economic implications of such actions, noting that the digital economy contributes nearly 10% to Kenya’s GDP. The groups argued that communication disruptions would not only infringe on human rights but also hamper economic activity and impede essential services such as emergency medical responses.
Referencing the ACCESS 2023 report, the coalition pointed out a concerning trend of governments using internet shutdowns to suppress public protests and potentially cover up human rights violations. They called on Kenyan authorities to uphold their obligations under national and international law to protect citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and association.
The organizations urged the Government of Kenya and the Communications Authority to publicly affirm their commitment to maintaining open and free internet access and press freedom during this critical period. They also called on social media platforms to resist any government attempts to restrict access or censor content related to the protests.
As Kenya faces this pivotal moment, the eyes of the international community are focused on how the government will respond to public dissent over the Finance Bill 2024.
The coalition’s statement serves as a reminder of the importance of digital rights in modern democratic discourse and the potential consequences of their suppression.
