MCK demands answers over alleged arrest of journalist Emmanuel Maleve

The Media Council of Kenya has asked the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Inspector General of police to investigate the circumstances leading to the alleged arrest of Kitui-based journalist Emmanuel Maleve.

In a statement on Friday, MCK CEO David Omwoyo said the manner in which Maleve was allegedly arrested points to "unclear directives".

"The circumstances surrounding Maleve's arrest remain opaque. 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," Omwoyo said.

He expressed "deep concem" over the development, saying Maleve's rights appear to have been violated through the arbitrary and unprocedural arrest.

Omwoyo said this amounts to intimidation and harassment of an accredited journalist.

"This 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," he said.

"The MCK is calling upon the DCI and the IG, National Police Service, to immediately investigate the circumstances leading to his arrest and take appropriate action," Omwoyo said.

Reports claim that Maleve's alleged arrest arose from a report he published.

He was being held at a police station in Nairobi and was due for arraignment Friday, the reports alleged.

News of his arrest sparked condemnation from several leaders, with former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu calling for his unconditional release.

"Surely, the days when politicians could threaten, intimidate and even try to gag people from their democratic right of expression, association and movement are long gone," she said on Facebook.

"Let Emmanuel be released immediately and unconditionally. Politicians should refrain from using their offices to muzzle people’s democratic rights and space. Kenya is a free Nation and we have come a long way to be taken back to the dark days," she added.

Omwoyo reaffirmed MCK's unwavering commitment to stand in solidarity with Maleve and in defending media freedom and safeguarding the rights and privileges of journalists throughout the country.