Kenyan TV station threatened with shutdown over anti-Finance Bill protest coverage

KTN TV, one of Kenya's leading television stations, says it has received threats from government authorities to shut it down over its coverage of protests against proposed tax increases.

In a post on social media on Tuesday, June 25. KTN said it received threats regarding its "commitment to defend public interest" and that it "shall not be cowed by any threats."

The threats come as KTN and other media outlets have been reporting extensively on demonstrations against the government's Finance Bill for 2024.

Known as the 'Occupy Parliament' protests, thousands of Kenyans have been marching in the streets for over two weeks to oppose tax hikes included in the bill.

On Tuesday, tensions escalated after some protesters breached security and entered the Parliament compounds.

KTN reporters on the ground provided live updates as events unfolded, showing footage of a police vehicle on fire and injured protesters receiving medical attention.

Nairobi Police boss Adamson Bungei confirmed to local newspaper The Standard that some demonstrators "have sustained serious injuries."

Flames could also be seen coming from inside parliament buildings, according to video shared by KTN.

The tax increases in the controversial Finance Bill are aimed at reducing Kenya's large budget deficit and debt load.

However, protesters argue the hikes will excessively burden citizens already struggling with high living costs.