Emmanuel Maleve is a Kitui-based digital journalist and blogger known for his reporting on political and social issues.
He is affiliated with Hopkin Media and TV, where he has built a name as an investigative journalist who holds public officials accountable.
On May 1, 2025, Maleve was arrested in Kitui town by plainclothes officers in a Land Cruiser outside a shopping mall. However, on Friday, May 2, 2025, he was released on cash bail, pending the completion of investigations.
Consequently, he was ordered by the court to surrender his mobile phone to assist police in their investigation.
Maleve’s Grounds of Arrest
According to the police, the blogger not only published unverified content but also used artificial intelligence to create misleading images portraying the politician negatively.
Moreover, they had received a complaint alleging that Maleve had published 51 articles accusing the politician of corruption, claims the politician has dismissed as false and malicious.
The blogger has been vocal in his criticism of developments in Kitui South Constituency and has previously found himself at odds with the area Member of Parliament, Rachael Nyamai.
In a recent article, he criticised the three-term MP for not setting up an effective NG-CDF oversight committee and urged authorities to investigate the management of public funds over the past few financial years.
Additionally, he wrote an investigative piece that claimed the MP was at the centre of a bursary scandal that cost the constituency millions.
Emmanuel Maleve picked by police
Emmanuel was allegedly picked up by authorities from a local market on Thursday May 1, 2025.
However, the police had earlier denied any case of his abduction and assured that investigations were ongoing.
Maleve’s lawyer, Noel Musya, revealed that he was arrested and charged with publishing false information on his blog and cyberbullying.
On her part, Dr Rachael Nyamai said she had reported the matter to the police late last year and early this year.
“I reported the matter of defamation by the said blogger at the Kitui DCI offices verbally, in November last year, and followed it up in writing to the DCI Headquarters in Nairobi on February 5th 2025.
The matter has since been under investigations leading up to the blogger’s arrest.
I do not want to comment further on the matter as it is still actively under investigation,” Dr. Nyamai.
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Uproar From the Public
His abduction sparked reactions from the public, with many calling for his immediate release.
“We demand to know the whereabouts of Emmanuel Maleve abducted,” James Ndoch an X user said.
“Emmanuel Maleve should be released,” Sir Ali said.
“Where is Emmanuel Maleve? ” I am Chege posted.
“Why would abduct Emmanuel Maleve for calling out corruption,” Nyamai Said.
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About Emmanuel Maleve
Maleve’s recent work includes investigative pieces scrutinizing the management of public funds, particularly focusing on the oversight of Kitui County government.
He is a writer for Hopkins Digital Media, a Kenyan digital media platform focusing on news, politics, and entertainment, primarily serving the Lower Eastern region of Kenya and the broader Eastern Africa area.
The platform operates through its website, hopkindigital.com, and maintains an active presence on social media, including Facebook, under the name “Hopkin Media TV”.
Further, the platform provides updates on regional and national events, including political developments, sports, and entertainment news. The blogger’s content often highlights local issues, such as legal battles, community events, and agricultural initiatives.
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