DCI, IG Kanja Issued Demand After Journalist Arrested Over Corruption Story

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has demanded that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, immediately investigate the circumstances that led to the arrest of Kitui-based digital journalist Emmanuel Maleve.

MCK, in a statement on Friday, May 2, expressed deep concern over the arrest of Maleve, revealed to be an accredited journalist based in Kitui working with Hopkin Media and TV, contrary to some reports that claimed he was a blogger.

As Viral Tea reported, Maleve was arrested by DCI officers in Kitui town on Thursday, May 1, and reportedly whisked away in the afternoon hours by plainclothes officers under heavy security.

Emmanuel Maleve, a digital journalist working with Hopkin Media and TV. /CHANNEL 15 NEWS

"The arrest, which occurred in Kitui town, is reported to have been carried out under unclear directives. The circumstances surrounding Mr. Maleve's arrest remain opaque," stated MCK in part.

"No official statements were recorded at either the Kitui Police Station or the local DCI offices, raising serious questions about the legality and transparency of the process."

According to the independent media regulator, the action presents a troubling attack on press freedom, particularly as it coincides with the global observance of World Press Freedom Day 2025, a time dedicated to reaffirming the vital role of free and independent media and the obligation of governments to uphold this freedom.

"Mr Maleve's rights appear to have been violated through the arbitrary and unprocedural arrest, resulting in intimidation and harassment.

"The Media Council of Kenya is calling upon the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Inspector General of the National Police Service to immediately investigate the circumstances leading to his arrest and take appropriate action," appealed MCK.

The Council added that it stands in unwavering solidarity with Maleve and all affected journalists and reaffirms its commitment to defending media freedom and safeguarding the rights and privileges of journalists throughout the country.

Maleve's arrest was linked to an article he had written calling Kitui South Member of Parliament (MP), Rachael Nyamai, "Queen of Corruption." 

The article published on the Hopkin Media website had alleged that Nyamai was linked to allegations of significant corruption and misappropriation of constituency resources through clandestine operations.

Police officers from the Kitui Central Police Station had denied taking the blogger into their custody. Lawyer Evans Ondieki told journalists that the blogger remained in custody at Muthaiga Police Station in Nairobi, despite ongoing efforts to secure his release.

"He was arrested because he published a story on corruption. Funds were allocated for a purpose, and they were never used for that purpose; that is what he communicated, and it led to his arrest," Ondieki said.

Ondieki revealed that after the article was published, the MP filed a petition against the blogger, prompting him to call for Maleve's release.

Former Governor Charity Ngilu also spoke out against the arrest, urging authorities to release the blogger without delay.