Raila's inauguration drew large online audiences on the back of a shut down of TV stations

david nganga

January 30, 2018 4:43 PM

The two stations attracted record-breaking viewers during the oath ceremony

Kenyas privately-owned TV stations drew large online audiences as National Super Alliance (NASA) party leader Raila Odinga was sworn-in as the Peoples President at a park in Nairobi.

Kenya Television Network (KTN) and Citizen TV attracted audiences of over 37,000 and 27,000 viewers on You Tube respectively as Kenyans took to the internet to stream the event following a shut down of the broadcasters by the communication regulator on Tuesday morning.

The two stations, as well as NTV, were switched off by the Communication Authority of Kenya on both free to air and paid for platforms.

“The Communications Authority of Kenya has switched off Citizen Television and Radio in most parts of the country over the coverage of the NASA ‘swearing-in’ plan,” Citizen said on its website.

On Friday, the Government threatened to switch off media stations that will cover the National Super Alliance ‘swearing-in’ ceremony at Uhuru Park.

The TV stations however drew large numbers online on occasions where their normal streaming sessions on You Tube attract a paltry 1000-3000 viewers.

Raila was sworn-in as the People's President at Uhuru Park in an event attended by thousands of supporters as well as Opposition members.

His deputy Kalonzo Musyoka was however not present at the ceremony as well as NASA Co-principals Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetangula. It was not yet clear why they did not grace the oath ceremony with Raila saying that he would give reasons for their absence later.

david nganga