The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has condemned the arrest and detention of Mombasa-based journalist Peter Mwita Maseke, calling it an attempt to intimidate the media and silence reporting on issues of public interest.
In a statement issued on Thursday, January 1, 2026, the council said Mwita, a journalist working for Althifaa Media Group in Mombasa County, should be released on free bond following his detention by police under what it described as unclear circumstances.
The council said Mwita is being held in connection with the authorship of information on the organisation of a criminal gang operating in the Kinami area of Mombasa County, which was circulated on the WhatsApp platform.
According to the statement, Mwita was summoned by police to record a statement on December 30, 2025, before being arrested the following day.
MCK said the arrest was directly linked to his journalistic work and raised serious concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists in the country.
“The arrest of Mwita for journalistic work relating to matters of public interest is a blatant attempt to silence whistleblowers and push journalists into self-censorship,” the council said.
It warned that police should not misuse the law or deny Kenyans their legitimate rights, including the right to bail.
The council reminded both national and county governments that freedom of expression and media freedom are constitutionally protected.
“Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution protect the freedom of expression and the freedom of the media. These rights are fundamental to a democratic society,” the statement read in part.
MCK also expressed concern over the use of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, saying it should not be weaponised against journalists.
“The use of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act to intimidate and harass journalists is unfortunate,” the council said, adding that such actions undermine democratic accountability and the public’s right to information.
The council further cautioned police and local administrators against attempting to force Mwita to reveal his sources. “Any attempt by the police or local administration to compel Mwita to reveal his sources or to intimidate him into silence is a direct breach of these professional standards and a violation of the Constitution of Kenya,” the statement read.
MCK demanded the immediate cessation of what it termed harassment against the journalist and called on the Inspector General of Police to intervene.
“The Council demands the immediate cessation of harassment against Mwita and calls upon the Inspector General of Police to ensure that officers respect the boundary between law enforcement and media freedom,” it said.
The Media Council reiterated its mandate of promoting media freedom and responsible journalism, warning that intimidation of journalists poses a threat to democracy and the public interest.
