The arrest and detention of Kitui-based blogger Emmanuel Maleve at Muthaiga Police Station has stirred concern over press freedom and the safety of journalists.

Maleve was reportedly apprehended under unclear circumstances by police officers in a Land Cruiser, a move first flagged by activist Boniface Mwangi. His sudden disappearance raised alarm, particularly among fellow bloggers and human rights defenders.

The arrest is believed to be linked to a hard-hitting article Maleve published, implicating Kitui South MP Rachael Kaki in alleged corruption. In the article, he controversially referred to the legislator as the “Queen of Corruption.” Colleagues of the blogger have accused the authorities of targeting him for exposing what he described as the misuse of public funds.

Police at Kitui Central initially denied holding Maleve in custody, further fueling speculation.

Speaking to journalists, Maleve’s lawyer, Evans Ondieki, confirmed that his client remained detained despite legal efforts for his release.

“He was arrested because he published a story on corruption… funds were allocated for a purpose and never used. That is what he communicated,” Ondieki said.

Ondieki is asking for the immediate release of his client saying the office of Public Prosecutions denied the charges against him.

”We demand immediate and unconditional release of Emmanuel Maleve who is being detained at Mutahiga Police Station. There is not reason or justification whatsoever to detain a journalist whose only mistake is to communicate the truth to the public.” Ondieki stated.

Following the explosive article, the MP reportedly filed a petition against Maleve a move critics say is an abuse of office intended to silence dissent.

The arrest has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders and civil society, including former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu.

“Let Emmanuel be released immediately and unconditionally. Politicians should refrain from using their offices to muzzle people’s democratic rights,” Ngilu stated.
“Kenya is a free nation. We have come too far to slide back into an era of fear and suppression.”

This incident bears chilling resemblance to the case of Kisii-based blogger Duke Nyabaro, who was found dead a year ago under mysterious circumstances following a politically charged social media post.