Media Law in Action: Protecting the Right to Protest

The Chuka University School of Law participated in the Daystar Media Moot Court Competition (DMMCC) held on the 8th and 9th of October 2025 at Daystar University, Athi River Campus. The competition focused on issues surrounding media law and freedom of expression under the theme “Protecting the Protest.” The University was represented by the following students: Joy Kananu – Oralist; Chris Michael – Oralist; Rehema Njagi – Researcher; and Mr. Samuel Mwai – Coach. The moot brought together 21 participating law schools from across Kenya, each presenting arguments on the legal intersections between media freedom, protest rights, and constitutional protection. The Universities involved were: African Nazarene university, Catholic University of East Africa, Daystar University, Egerton University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology -Karen campus, Kenyatta University- Parklands campus, Kisii University, Moi University, Mount Kenya University- Parklands, Maseno University, Riara University, Strathmore University, University of Embu and the University of Nairobi- Parklands campus among others.

Chuka University participated in three preliminary rounds: First Round: Appeared as Applicants against Kisii University and in the Second Round: Appeared Ex Parte as Respondents finally in the Third Round: Appeared as Applicants against Moi University. The team scored 58% in the memorials but achieved an impressive 87% cumulative score in oral presentations, placing third overall in orals and ninth overall after the combined average of memorial and oral scores.

Despite the overall ranking, the Chuka University team received notable recognition for excellence in advocacy and research as transversed below:

i) Best Female Oralist(moot category): Joy Kananu
ii) 2nd Runners-Up Oralist (Research Category): Rehema Njagi
iii) Runners-Up Research Paper: Chuka University Team

Guided by their coach, Mr. Samuel Mwai, a passionate law lecturer, the team impressed judges and fellow participants with their razor-sharp legal reasoning and delivery. These awards highlighted the team’s commitment, eloquence, and exemplary understanding of the legal issues presented. The experience enriched the participants’ skills in legal reasoning, drafting, and oral advocacy, offering invaluable exposure to real-world media law issues.

The Chuka University School of Law continues to uphold its growing reputation for excellence in moot court competitions. The team’s performance at the Daystar Media Moot Court Competition stands as a testament to the School’s enduring values of passion, precision, and pride in the pursuit of justice. Their excellence shone through when Joy Kananu bagged the Best Female Oralist Award, while the team also secured 2nd Runners-Up in the Research Category, a proud moment for the entire Chuka Law community.