The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has disclosed that it has no intentions to shutdown the internet or interfere with the quality of connectivity.
In a press statement dated June 24, CA Chief Executive Officer David Mugonyi noted that shutting down the internet will be a betrayal of the Constitution.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Authority has no intention whatsoever to shut down internet traffic or interfere with the quality of connectivity.
"Such actions would be a betrayal of the Constitution as a whole, the freedom of expression in particular and our own ethos,” Mugonyi stated.
He further added that such actions would also sabotage Kenya's fast-growing digital economy as internet connectivity supports thousands of livelihoods across the country.
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The CA Director General, however, urged Kenyans to use the digital space with respect for all and within the confines of the law.
His statement came after a joint statement by Amnesty International Kenya and partners alleging the possibility of an internet shutdown by the government ahead of the anti-finance bill protests on Tuesday (today).
"Shutting down or throttling of the internet, shadow banning of hashtags or a mass media ban on live reporting would be a gross violation of fundamental human rights. It will undermine the legitimate rights of the people to organize, demonstrate and participate in policymaking processes," read part of the statement.
The group further urged social media platforms to push back and uphold freedoms enshrined in Kenya’s constitution and international human rights should the government attempt to shut down the internet.
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