Justin Muturi has called for binding rules on livestreaming election results before the 2027 polls.
Former Public Service CS Justin Muturi wants election bodies, media regulators and political parties to agree on safeguards against unexplained broadcast interruptions.
Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has called for binding election livestreaming rules ahead of the 2027 General Election. He wants safeguards that protect public access to results and require explanations whenever live coverage stops.
In a statement, Muturi urged the Ministry of Information, Media Council of Kenya, political parties and IEBC to begin consultations. Together, he said, they should agree on enforceable guidelines well before the next election.
Muturi seeks election livestreaming safeguards
Muturi cited disruptions during the 2022 presidential results announcement at Bomas of Kenya as a warning. He argued that interruptions in live results coverage could deepen suspicion, weaken public confidence and raise political tensions.
His proposed protocol would guarantee access to electoral information and require clear explanations for interruptions. It would also establish backup measures to address technical failures.
Additionally, the former Attorney General warned against using national security as a blanket reason to restrict legitimate journalism. He said restrictions must meet legal standards, serve a necessary purpose and remain proportionate.
Muturi urged the institutions to act immediately rather than wait until election-period tensions rise. He also called for firm protections against arbitrary interruptions and timely explanations whenever coverage breaks down.
Parliament says livestreaming requirement remains
Meanwhile, his appeal comes amid debate over proposed changes to the Elections Act. The proposals initially raised concerns about removing the requirement to livestream results announced at polling stations.
However, the National Assembly has clarified that the requirement remains intact following amendments to the Elections (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2024.
In a Saturday statement, Parliamentary Affairs Principal Secretary Aurelia Rono said MPs had deleted Clause 22. That clause sought to replace Section 39, which governs the determination, transmission and declaration of election results.
As a result, Rono said, Section 39 remains intact, including subsection 1G. That subsection requires IEBC to establish a mechanism for livestreaming results announced at polling stations.
Amended Bill returns to Senate
Parliament removed the clause following a High Court judgment delivered on September 22, 2026. The court upheld the constitutionality of Section 39 and Regulation 83(2) of the Elections (General) Regulations.
The National Assembly passed the amended Bill on October 22. It will now return to the Senate under Article 110(4) of the Constitution.
Government Spokesperson Charles Owino also said the livestreaming provision remained in place, stressing the government’s commitment to transparent results communication.
Muturi’s proposal, however, focuses on implementation rather than the existence of the legal requirement. He wants agreed procedures for interruptions, technical failures and restrictions on election coverage.
