INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
They allege it disrupted internet access during protests against proposed tax hikes.More than ten social media influencers and artists
accused Safaricom of blocking social media communications last week.During the protests, Kenyan police used live ammunition and tear gas on
hundreds of demonstrators
Safaricom customers, generating 30% of their income for musicians.Kenyan Celebrities Cut Ties with Safaricom Over Protest Censorship
Gospel artist Ben Cyco will remove his music from Skiza.Influencer Mike Muchiri ended his long-term collaboration, accusing Safaricom of
with the government, allegedly leading to activist abductions.Safaricom cited an outage on two undersea cables as the cause, claiming
redundancy measures minimized interruptions.However, global internet observatory NetBlocks found no physical subsea cable damage and
reported a greater disruption impact than usual.SpaceX founder Elon Musk responded to the public outcry by announcing the launch of the
reported a 1200% spike in signups following reports of government-imposed internet restrictions
Safaricom shows a strong resistance against corporate complicity in government censorship.Kenya has a history of strained relations with the
internet and mainstream media during political crises.In 2018, the government shut down three TV stations attempting to broadcast an
Last week, KTN News reported threats from authorities over protest coverage.Social media has become essential for citizen-led journalism,
providing real-time, unfiltered views and organizing protests.Despite government denials of involvement in internet disruptions, the
protests, organized mainly on TikTok and X, have clearly unsettled the political establishment.In short, these protests forced the
government to withdraw the controversial finance bill.
