Peter Maseke Mwita, a journalist working with Al Shifaa Media Services, was arrested on 31 December 2025 under unclear circumstances following a summons by police. He had reportedly been called in to record a statement concerning information circulated on WhatsApp relating to alleged criminal gang activities in the Kisauni area of Mombasa.
According to reports by the investigating officer, the complainant in the matter is Kisauni Member of Parliament, Hon. Rashid Juma Bedzimba. The complaint is alleged linked to the dissemination or authorship of the said information.
Mwita appeared before court today, where the prosecution requested additional time to complete investigations. The court ruled that he be held in custody for a further five days pending the outcome of those investigations. As of now, the specific charges against him have not been clearly communicated.
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has expressed concern over Mwita’s arrest and continued detention, citing a lack of transparency and due process. The Council has termed the incident as harassment and intimidation of a journalist, warning that such actions threaten press freedom and constitutional guarantees. Media freedom advocates have also cautioned against the use of criminal and cyber-related laws to suppress journalistic work.
The detention of Peter Maseke Mwita has raised serious concerns among media stakeholders regarding the safety of journalists and the broader state of media freedom. The case continues to be closely monitored as investigations proceed.