Press Under Siege: Mombasa Journalist’s Arrest Ignites Fury Over Gang Reporting Crackdown
The arrest of Mombasa-based journalist Peter Mwita Maseke for exposing criminal gangs in Kisauni has sparked national outrage, with the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) condemning it as a direct assault on press freedom.
Mwita, a reporter for Alshifaa (also known as Ashfakia) Media Group, was summoned on December 30, 2025, to record a statement and detained the next day over WhatsApp-shared information on gang operations.
This incident highlights escalating tensions between media and authorities amid rising gang violence in coastal Kenya.
“The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has condemned the detention of Mr Peter Mwita Maseke, a reporter with Ashfakia Media Group, describing it as an alarming attempt to stifle press freedom,” read their statement in part.
Arrest Circumstances
Police linked Mwita’s detention to content detailing the organization of criminal gangs in Kisauni, Mombasa County, circulated via WhatsApp.
Initially summoned for questioning, the process escalated into full arrest without clear justification, prompting MCK demands for his immediate release on free bond.
“The arrest of Mwita for journalistic work relating to matters of public interest is a blatant attempt to silence whistleblowers and push journalists into self-censoring,” the Council said in a statement issued on Thursday, 1st January 2026.
MCK described the move as lacking transparency, urging respect for journalistic rights during investigations.
MCK’s Strong CondemnationIn a January 1, 2026, statement, MCK labeled the arrest a “blatant attempt to silence whistleblowers” and induce self-censorship on public interest stories.
The council invoked Articles 33 and 34 of the Kenyan Constitution, which safeguard freedom of expression and media independence from intimidation.
“The Council demands the immediate cessation of harassment against Mr Mwita and calls upon the Inspector General of Police to ensure that officers respect the boundary between law enforcement and media freedom,” the statement added.
It further criticized misuse of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act against reporters, calling any pressure to reveal sources a constitutional violation.
Criminal Gangs in Mombasa Context
Kisauni, a densely populated Mombasa suburb, battles entrenched gangs involved in extortion, robberies, and drug trafficking, often targeting youth and businesses.
Recent crackdowns arrested dozens in Malindi and Umoja, reflecting nationwide efforts against organized crime amid political unrest.
Journalists like Mwita play a vital role in exposing these networks, but face retaliation as gangs reportedly receive protection from influential figures.
Kenya ranks 117th in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, with rising arrests under cybercrime laws stifling investigative work.
Similar cases include the 2025 detention of Standard Group journalist Collins Kweyu over corruption probes and Boniface Mwangi’s arrests for protest coverage.
MCK has repeatedly warned politicians against targeting reporters, especially ahead of 2027 elections where gang violence disrupts rallies.
Authorities have invoked “cybercrimes” in multiple instances: Mwita’s case echoes Kweyu’s September 2025 hold at Central Police Station, released only after DCI intervention.
Political figures like former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua faced MCK rebuke for calling out journalists like Stephen Letoo, heightening risks at public events.
These trends signal a clampdown, with MCK demanding Inspector General intervention to delineate law enforcement from media suppression.
MCK insists on halting harassment and upholding bail rights, emphasizing media’s democratic role. Broader reforms include stronger protections under the 2013 Media Act and independent oversight to prevent abuse of anti-gang operations against watchdogs.
As gangs fuel insecurity linked to 18 Malindi arrests in late 2025 this arrest risks chilling exposés needed for public safety. Civil society urges swift release of Mwita to restore trust in Kenya’s Fourth Estate.