Muturi calls for binding livestreaming rules ahead of 2027 elections
Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi has called on the government, media regulators, political parties and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to establish binding rules for livestreaming election results ahead of the 2027 General Election. Muturi argued that Kenya needed a clear protocol to guarantee public access to electoral information and prevent interruptions that […]
Former Kenya Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi is advocating for binding livestreaming regulations ahead of the 2027 General Election. Muturi stressed the need for clear rules to ensure public access to election information and prevent disruptions similar to those experienced during the 2022 presidential results announcement. He called for a meeting among the Ministry of Information, the Media Council of Kenya, political parties, and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to agree on enforceable guidelines well before the next election.
Muturi highlighted how interruptions in live result broadcasting, as seen in Bomas of Kenya, can fuel suspicion, erode public trust, and heighten political tensions. The proposed protocol aims to guarantee public access to electoral information, require clear explanations for any interruptions, and establish contingency measures for technical failures.
Muturi cautioned against using national security as an excuse to restrict legitimate journalism or deny Kenyans access to information of public interest. Any restrictions must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate. He urged the relevant institutions to commence consultations immediately, urging them not to delay preparations until tension rises during the election period.
The proposal comes amid ongoing debates over amendments to the Elections Act, which initially raised concerns that livestreaming requirements for results at polling stations might be removed prior to the 2027 polls. However, the National Assembly clarified that Section 39 of the Elections Act, including its subsection 1G, remains intact.
This provision obligates IEBC to establish a mechanism for livestreaming election results announced at polling stations. Muturi's focus is on how livestreaming should be implemented, particularly addressing interruptions, technical breakdowns, and restrictions on coverage. He emphasized the urgency of establishing safeguards well in advance to ensure Kenyans can promptly access election information and that any disruption is adequately explained.
The Former Attorney General stressed the importance of maintaining transparency, accountability, and timely access to election information.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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