The Crime Journalists Association of Kenya (CJAK) has called for the immediate release of Standard Group journalist Collins Kweyu, who has been arrested and is currently being held at the Central Police Station in Nairobi.
In a statement released on Friday, CJAK confirmed that they had received reports of Kweyu's arrest, noting that while they understand the arrest is linked to a warrant allegedly filed by a Magistrate-based judge.
According to the association, Kweyu's arrest stems from his pursuit of a story in which complainants had linked a senior judicial officer to a KSh 10 million bribe.
The journalist was reportedly following up on this matter of significant public interest when the Judge, through the Directorate of Criminal Investigations in Migori, sought his arrest.
CJAK expressed strong concern about what they described as the use of state machinery to silence a journalist investigating possible corruption within the judiciary.
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"Using state machinery to silence a journalist investigating possible corruption within the judiciary is an attack not only on press freedom but on the very rule of law itself," the association stated.
The organization highlighted a troubling pattern of harassment against journalists in Kenya, emphasizing their deep concern over the manner and timing of Kweyu's arrest and the court orders issued to search his house and seize equipment.
They described this as an attempt by police to establish Kweyu's source, stating that in journalism, sources are sacred and any attempt to compel a journalist to reveal sources constitutes a grave infringement on press freedom and a direct violation of the constitutional protection of journalists in Kenya.
CJAK called upon police to ensure Kweyu's safety and dignity while in custody, with the tragic case of Albert Ojwang, who lost his life under suspicious circumstances after police detention, remaining fresh in their minds. The association emphasized that it would not allow history to repeat itself.
Several other organizations have come forward demanding the same, as Amnesty Kenya wrote, "Amnesty joins @CrimeScribesKE in calling for the safety in custody of journalist Collins Kweyu. May he be accorded the full rights of a suspect under our laws."
Kweyu's detention comes amid increasing concerns about press freedom in Kenya, with several recent incidents highlighting the challenges faced by journalists and media practitioners.
The arrest follows a troubling pattern where media personnel have faced harassment, detention, and intimidation for their investigative work.
Earlier this year, the media fraternity witnessed a concerning incident involving four young Kenyan filmmakers who were arrested and detained overnight in different city police stations.
Nicholas Gichuki and Brian Adagala were held at Pangani Police Station, while Mark Denver Karubiu and Chris Wamae were detained at Muthaiga Police Station. Their arrest came just days after a BBC documentary titled "Blood Parliament" exposed the killing of peaceful demonstrators during the June 2024 anti-tax protests.
The BBC subsequently clarified that the four filmmakers were not involved in making the documentary, with the BBC Press Office confirming they had no connection to the production.
Despite this clarification, the filmmakers faced charges of publishing false information and cyberbullying, which their lawyer Ian Mutiso described as a misuse of legal provisions to suppress freedom of expression.
Update
Standard Group journalist Collins Kweyu has since been released. Mr. Kweyu was released on Saturday, September 20, from Central police station.
