NAIROBI, Kenya — The Crime Journalists Association of Kenya (CJAK) has condemned the arrest of Standard Group journalist Collins Kweyu, describing it as an attack on press freedom and the rule of law.
Kweyu, a CJAK member, was taken into custody on Friday and is being held at the Central Police Station in Nairobi.
His arrest follows a complaint by a Migori-based judge, reportedly linked to an investigation in which Kweyu was pursuing allegations of a KSh10 million bribe.
CJAK Secretary General Brian Obuya said the timing of the arrest — late on a Friday, which could keep Kweyu in detention through the weekend — suggested an attempt to silence the journalist and intimidate his sources.
“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,” Obuya said in a statement.
CJAK calls on @DCI_Kenya to ensure the safety of our member Mr Collins Kweyu who has been arrested over a case linked to a complaint filed by a Migori based Judge. @MediaCouncilK @StandardKenya
The association warned that efforts to pressure Kweyu into revealing his sources would constitute “a grave infringement on press freedom and a direct violation of constitutional protections for journalists.”
CJAK drew parallels to the case of Albert Ojuang, a journalist who died in custody under disputed circumstances. The group urged police to guarantee Kweyu’s safety and dignity while in detention.
“We will not allow history to repeat itself,” the statement read.
CJAK demanded Kweyu’s immediate release or swift presentation before a court of law.
The group also called for accountability from both police and judicial officers alleged to have abused their positions to intimidate the press.
“A free press is the cornerstone of democracy, and we will not relent in defending it,” the statement concluded.
