Journalist Collins Kweyu arrested
By Francis Muli, September 20, 2025The Crime Journalists Association of Kenya (CJAK) has condemned the arrest of Standard Group journalist Collins Kweyu, who is currently being held at the Central Police Station in Nairobi.
According to CJAK, Kweyu’s arrest is linked to a complaint filed by a Migori-based judge, though the specific details remain unclear. The journalist reportedly said his arrest stemmed from his pursuit of a story in which complainants alleged that the judicial officer had been implicated in a KSh 10 million bribe.
CJAK described the move as a blatant attempt to silence a journalist investigating possible corruption within the judiciary. The association questioned the timing of the arrest, which was carried out late on a Friday, September 19, 2025, a move they said was meant to prolong Kweyu’s detention until Monday.
“Using state machinery to silence a journalist investigating possible corruption within the judiciary is an attack not only on press freedom but also on the very rule of law itself,” CJAK said in a statement signed by Secretary General Brian Obuya.
The association further criticized court orders to search Kweyu’s home and seize his computer equipment, terming it an attempt to uncover his sources.
“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 constitutional protection of journalists in Kenya,” the statement read.
CJAK also invoked the memory of journalist Albert Ojuang’, who died under unclear circumstances in police custody, warning authorities not to let history repeat itself. They demanded Kweyu’s immediate release or his swift presentation before a court of law, and called for accountability from both the police and judicial officers.
“A free press is the cornerstone of democracy, and we will not relent in defending it,” CJAK said, vowing to resist any attempts to intimidate journalists.