Arrest of Standard Group Journalist Causes Widespread Uproar

A Standard Group journalist was locked up at the Central Police Station in Nairobi on Friday, September 19, 2025.

According to the Crime Journalists Association of Kenya (CJAK), Collins Kweyu was detained after seeking comments from a judicial officer in a corruption matter. 

In a statement, CJAK said the police arrested Collins Kweyu after a complaint was filed by the state officer.

“Using state machinery to silence a journalist investigating possible corruption within the judiciary is an attack not only on press freedom but on the very rule of law itself. Arresting him on a Friday evening to ensure prolonged detention only deepens the suspicion of bad faith,” CJAK Secretary-General Brian Obuya said.

CJAK has condemned the arrest of Standard Media Group journalist Collins Kweyu, calling it an attack on press freedom and the rule of law.

“In journalism, sources are sacred. Any attempt to compel Collins Kweyu to reveal his sources is a grave infringement on press freedom and a direct violation of the constitutional protection of journalists in Kenya,” CJAK said in their statement.

CRAK Voices Concern over Collins Kweyu’s Arrest

The Court Reporters Association of Kenya (CRAK) also expressed concern over the arrest.

‎In a statement signed by its Secretary General, Sam Kiplagat, CRAK confirmed Kweyu’s arrest and called for his immediate release, arguing that he is a respected and long-serving journalist with a known place of residence.

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‎The association said the journalist could be summoned to appear before investigators or the courts if further action is necessary.

“We emphasise that every suspect is entitled to bail unless compelling reasons are presented to justify continued detention, as stipulated by law,” said Sam Kiplagat, Secretary General of CRAK.

The association also linked the case to broader concerns over the treatment of suspects in custody, citing the recent death of Albert Ojwang while in police detention.

DCI Orders Release

Late on Friday, September 19, the Director of Criminal Investigations, Mohamed Amin, ordered Kweyu’s immediate release.

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Police said the arrest order originated from detectives in Migori, who are investigating an alleged cybercrime involving Kweyu and two others.

Officers explained that this prevented them from granting bail, as Kweyu was expected to be transferred to Migori.

Kweyu said he was deceived into attending a meeting at a Nairobi restaurant, only to be confronted and taken into custody without being informed of the charges against him.

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