MCK Condemns Arrest of Journalist Peter Mwita, Warns Against Intimidation of Media

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has strongly condemned the arrest of journalist Peter Mwita Maseke, describing it as an attempt to silence whistleblowers and intimidate the press.

Mwita, who works with Alshifaa Media Group in Mombasa, was detained by police under unclear circumstances after being summoned to record a statement on December 30, 2025. His arrest followed the circulation of information on WhatsApp regarding criminal gangs operating in Kisauni, Mombasa.

According to the Council, Mwita’s detention on December 31 amounts to harassment for journalistic work that is squarely in the public interest. MCK insists that police should not misuse the law to deny Kenyans their legitimate rights, including the right to bail.

“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 stated.

The Council further criticized the use of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act to target journalists, warning that compelling Mwita to reveal his sources or intimidating him into silence would be a direct violation of the Constitution.

MCK reminded both national and local authorities that Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution of Kenya guarantee freedom of expression and freedom of the media—rights it described as fundamental to democracy.

The Council has demanded Mwita’s immediate release on free bond and called on the Inspector General of Police to ensure officers respect the boundary between law enforcement and media freedom.

This incident has sparked concern among media stakeholders, who view it as part of a growing trend of intimidation against journalists reporting on sensitive issues such as crime and governance.

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