The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has issued a warning to leading telecom firms against interfering with access to the internet during ongoing protests demanding justice and accountability from police. In a public statement, KHRC tagged Safaricom, Airtel Kenya, and Telkom Kenya, saying that the High Court had issued directives in May 2025 categorically prohibiting any form of internet shutdown in Kenya.

The court decision by Justice Bahati Mwamuye was in response to a petition that had been filed by ICJ-Kenya and other civil society groups following the controversial internet shutdown on June 25, 2024. The shutdown took place during countrywide protests that were demanding good governance and calling for the government to strike down the Finance Bill 2024.

KHRC explained that any action to shut down the internet, decelerate connectivity, or downgrade speeds to 2G as Kenyans protest against police brutality would be tantamount to contempt of court. The rights commission also made the warning to Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), threatening that disconnecting power during demonstrations would also trigger immediate legal action. KHRC's statement comes amidst growing concern over state intervention in telecommunications and communication infrastructure as the public stages increasingly vocal protests across the country.