MCK alarmed by arrest of arrest of a Kitui-based journalist, Emmanuel Maleve
Omwoyo stated that the circumstances surrounding his arrest remain opaque, as it was not recorded at the local police station or the area DCI offices
The Media Council of Kenya has expressed concerns over the arrest of Kitui-based journalist Emmanuel Maleve by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
In a press statement, MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo stated the arrest was done under unclear directives.
Omwoyo stated that the circumstances surrounding the arrest of Maleve remain opaque, as it was not recorded at the local police station or the area DCI offices.
“We express our deep concerns over the arrest of Emmanuel Maleve, who is an accredited Journalist by the Media Council of Kenya based in Kitui. Circumstances surrounding his arrest remain opaque as no official statement was recorded at the Kitui Police station or the local DCI offices, raising questions about the legality and transparency of the process,” he stated.
He stated that the arrest of the Kitui-based journalist, which coincides with World Press Freedom Day, violates his rights.
The CEO called on the DCI Director Mohammed Amin and the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to investigate the circumstances surrounding his arrest and take appropriate action.
“MCK is calling upon the DCI and the IG to immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding his arrest and take appropriate action,” Omwoyo added.
He affirmed the MCK’s unwavering solidarity with Maleve and other journalists affected, saying that they are committed to defending media freedom and safeguarding the rights and privileges of the members of the fourth estate throughout the country.
According to activist and journalist Boniface Mwangi, Maleve, who is also a blogger, was abducted at Muli Mall in Kitui town by people using a Land Cruiser, license plate KCQ 184U.
He said officers at Kitui Central Police Station claimed they do not have him and refused to register the abduction.
He linked the arrest to an article he posted linking Kitui South MP Rachael Kaki to alleged corruption. His phone was switched off after he was seized.
Ahead of this year’s World Press Freedom Day, themed “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media” tomorrow, MCK and other stakeholders have called for ethical AI use in journalism.
MCK joined national and global voices in urging the ethical deployment of Artificial Intelligence in media.
During a forum held at a Nairobi hotel, Omwoyo warned that the misuse of AI could erode public trust in journalism if not regulated through clear ethical frameworks, adding that innovation must be accompanied by integrity and accountability.
Also present, the National Police spokesperson, Muchiri Nyaga, who reiterated the police’s commitment to upholding press freedom and fostering constructive engagement with the media.
He called for the inclusion of journalists in policy conversations, particularly on emerging areas such as digital rights and AI governance.
“Freedom of expression must be exercised without fear. Article 34 of our Constitution provides a clear framework for media freedom, just as Article 244 mandates the National Police Service to build trust and foster public relations,” he affirmed.
Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Hassan Abdi reaffirmed the ODPP’s commitment to protecting journalists from unlawful threats and ensuring perpetrators of media-related offences are held accountable, noting the growing complexity of AI-driven violations.
Kenya Editors’ Guild President Zubeida Kananu called for deliberate efforts to address systemic inequalities in the newsroom and to ensure AI serves the public good, not vested commercial or political interests.
“AI is not neutral. It reflects the biases and intentions of those who deploy it. Press freedom must evolve with technology, not be compromised by it,” she said.
