NAIROBI, Kenya Jun 26 – The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has issued a stern warning to telecommunications firms and Kenya Power towards disrupting web and electrical energy throughout protests.
In an announcement, the fee famous that there’s a standing court docket order that prohibits any type of web shutdown, throttling, or service downgrading throughout public demonstrations.
KHRC cited a latest High Court ruling delivered by Justice Bahati Mwamuye which arose from a petition filed by the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ-Kenya) and others.
The case adopted the controversial nationwide web blackout on June 25 final yr throughout protests towards police brutality and calls for for higher governance.
“Any transfer by telco firms to close down the web or cut back entry via throttling or a shift to 2G networks can be a direct violation of the court docket’s ruling. Such actions can be in contempt of court docket and can appeal to authorized penalties,” the Commission acknowledged.
KHRC assertion comes amid rising considerations of state interference in digital and electrical infrastructure as Kenyans put together for renewed demonstrations calling for justice for victims of police killings.
The Commission additionally cautioned Kenya Power towards switching off electrical energy in protest hotspots, a tactic beforehand reported throughout final yr’s demonstrations.
“Similarly, KHRC warns Kenya Power that switching off electrical energy throughout these protests demanding police accountability will set off instant authorized motion,” it added.
Telco firms and Kenya Power are but to reply to the warning. However, the assertion is anticipated to intensify scrutiny over how these utilities deal with service supply throughout politically delicate durations.
