Update: After demands from journalists' unions such as the Crime Journalists Association of Kenya (CJAK), Collins Kweyu, a photojournalist from the Standard Group, has been released from detention at Nairobi's Central Police Station.
The journalist was released on a free bond, after a statement released by CJAK on Friday night, September 19, had called for his immediate release, following the emergence of his questionable arrest.
Furthermore, they had demanded his presentation before a court of law and accountability from the police and judicial officers, whom they accused of abusing their authority to undermine the press.
According to CJAK, Kweyu’s arrest was linked to a complaint from a judge based in Migori. It is said that Kweyu was pursuing a story in which the judge was alleged to have sought a Ksh10 million bribe to ‘facilitate’ a case.
Details of Kweyu's Arrest
However, his investigation into the story led to the judge filing a complaint with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Migori, resulting in his arrest.
Although details surrounding his arrest remain unclear, it is reported that Kweyu was lured to a city hotel in Nairobi on Friday for a ‘meeting’ only to be met by officers who quickly took him away. The journalist was later taken to Central Police Station, where he was allegedly detained.
Reports indicate that since the arrest was executed by DCI officers from Migori, Kweyu could not be granted bail to secure his release from Central Police, despite efforts by his colleagues and the Kenya Union of Journalists.
CJAK condemned the arrest, describing it as the use of state machinery to silence a journalist investigating potential corruption in the Judiciary. They further characterized it as “not only an attack on press freedom, but an attack on the rule of law itself.”
Additionally, CJAK raised concern over court orders issued to search Kweyu’s house and equipment, which they believe could be a means to uncover his sources, and they questioned the manner and timing of his arrest.
“In journalism, sources are sacred. Any attempt to compel Mr. Kweyu to reveal his sources is a grave infringement on press freedom and a direct violation of the constitutional protection of journalists in Kenya,” CJAK stated.
Shades of Albert Ojwang & Central Police Station
Kweyu’s arrest and detention at Central Police Station in Nairobi follow the case of late blogger and activist Albert Ojwang, who died under mysterious circumstances at the station.
Ojwang was reportedly arrested in Homa Bay and later transferred to Nairobi after a complaint filed by Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat. He died while in custody at the police station, allegedly after being physically assaulted.
The matter is still before the courts, with several police officers and the then Officer Commanding Station, Samson Taalam, named as the main suspects.
