MOMBASA: Journalist Arrested Over WhatsApp Post On Criminal Gangs
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has criticized the arrest of journalist Peter Mwita Maseke, who works for Alshifaa Media Group in Mombasa County, and demanded that he be freed on bail.
Mwita was apprehended by police after allegedly sharing information on WhatsApp about criminal gangs operating in Mombasa County’s Kisauni district.
He was asked to record a statement on December 30, 2025, and then arrested on December 31.
Activists, including Hussein Khalid, and journalists have gathered at Central Police Station, Mombasa, over the detention of journalist Peter Maseke. He was arrested on Dec 31, 2025 while pursuing a security story allegedly linking a politician to gang funding. pic.twitter.com/1GjJ9m4Q7h
— Touchline News (@touchlinenewsKe) January 2, 2026
On Thursday, January 1, 2026, the Council issued a press statement claiming that the detention is an attempt to intimidate media and stifle whistleblowers.
It warned that such tactics lead journalists into self-censorship and violate Kenyans’ constitutional rights, particularly the right to bail.
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The Council reminded authorities that Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution safeguard the freedoms of expression and the media, both of which are fundamental in a democracy.
It also condemned the use of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act to target journalists.
“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.
MOMBASA: Journalist Arrested Over WhatsApp Post On Criminal Gangs
