By Fredrick Njuguna
Kenyans expressed their concern that the Communication Authority (CA) was planning a shutdown of internet servers as an act to ensure protests in Nairobi and other parts of the country did not go viral.
In a statement released by CA Director General David Mugonyi, protestors all across the country were assured there would be no imminent interest shutdown.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Authority has no intention whatsoever to shut down Internet traffic or interfere with the quality of connectivity,” read the press release in part.
“Such actions would be a betrayal of the Constitution as a whole, the freedom of expression in particular and our own ethos,” stated the CA Director General.
Mugonyi further remarked that Kenya largely depended on Internet access as a key driver of the economy.
As such he reasoned that a shutdown of internet servers would sabotage and deprive the country’s stead fast-growing economy with thousands of Kenyan livelihoods put at risk.
While assuring Kenyans of uninterrupted internet access, CA warned of the misuse of that freedom.
“We urge Kenyans to use the digital space with respect to all and within the confines of the law,” Kenyans were warned and urged.
In addition to such, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) warned the government not to shut down the internet as a way of suppressing protests.
Amnesty International, Bloggers Associations and over twenty other organizations remarked that the move would be a gross violation of human rights.