Media Council of Kenya CEO David Omwoyo. (Photo: X/MCK)
Mombasa, Kenya
Media Council of Kenya Demands Release of Journalist Peter Mwita
Mombasa, Kenya — The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has called for the release of Peter Mwita, a Mombasa-based journalist with Alshifaa Media Group, from police custody on free bond.
In a statement, MCK said Mwita was detained by police under unclear circumstances.
“Police are holding him in relation to the authorship of information on the organisation of criminal gangs operating in the Kisauni area in Mombasa County, which was circulated on the WhatsApp platform. Mwita was summoned to record a statement on December 30, 2025, which later led to his arrest on December 31, 2025,” the Council stated.
Journalist Peter Mwita (left) walks out of Central Police Station in Mombasa in handcuffs on January 2, 2026.
MCK condemned the arrest, describing it as a blatant attempt to silence whistleblowers and push journalists into self-censorship. The Council emphasized that police actions should not deny other Kenyans their legitimate rights, including the right to bail.
The Council further warned that any attempt to force Mwita to disclose sources or intimidate him would constitute a violation of professional standards and a breach of Kenya’s Constitution.
“The Council demands the immediate cessation of harassment against Mwita and calls upon the Inspector General of Police to ensure that officers respect the boundary between law enforcement and media freedom,” MCK said, reminding authorities that Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution protect freedom of expression and media freedom.
MCK added that these rights are fundamental to a democratic society, and criticised the use of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act as a tool to intimidate and harass journalists.
