The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has strongly condemned the arrest of journalist Peter Mwita Maseke, a reporter with Alshifaa Media Group in Mombasa County, calling for his immediate release on free bond.
Mwita was detained by police in connection with information he reportedly shared via WhatsApp regarding criminal gangs operating in the Kisauni area of Mombasa County. He had initially been summoned to record a statement on December 30, 2025, before being arrested the following day.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, January 1, 2026, the Council described the arrest as an attempt to intimidate journalists and silence whistleblowers. It warned that such actions risk pushing journalists into self-censorship, infringing on the constitutional rights of Kenyans, including the right to bail.
“MCK demands an immediate cessation of harassment against Mr. Mwita and calls upon the Inspector General of Police to ensure officers respect the boundary between law enforcement and media freedom,” the statement read.
The Council also highlighted that Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution guarantee freedom of expression and freedom of the media rights that are fundamental to a functioning democracy. Additionally, MCK criticized the use of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act to target journalists, noting that such measures can undermine press freedom.
