Human rights activists, including Hussein Khalid, on Thursday joined journalists at the Central Police Station in Mombasa to protest the detention of local journalist Peter Maseke.
Maseke was arrested on December 31, 2025, while investigating a security-related story that allegedly links a prominent politician to the financing of criminal gangs accused of terrorizing residents in parts of Mombasa.
His arrest has raised concerns among media freedom advocates, who say it appears to be connected to his journalistic work.
According to colleagues and activists, Maseke was taken into custody by police officers and held at the Central Police Station, where he was questioned about his reporting.
By Thursday, he had not been formally charged, and police had not publicly clarified the reasons for his continued detention.
Activists and journalists gathered outside the station demanding his immediate release, arguing that the arrest violates press freedom and the constitutional right to access and disseminate information.
They called on authorities to respect the role of journalists in holding those in power accountable.
Police officials had yet to issue an official statement on the arrest at the time of publication.
Kenya has seen growing concern from civil society groups over the treatment of journalists, particularly those reporting on corruption, security, and organized crime.
Media watchdogs warn that arrests and intimidation risk creating a chilling effect on investigative journalism.
One injured as multi-storey building under construction collapses in South C, Nairobi
