MOMBASA County- Jan 2, 2026- A journalist attached to Mombasa-based Al-Shifaa TV was on Friday arraigned before a Mombasa court over a publication circulated on a WhatsApp group allegedly linking Kisauni Member of Parliament Rashid Juma Bedzimba to criminal gangs operating in the constituency.
Peter Maseke Mwita was arrested on December 31, 2025, and detained at Central Police Station following a complaint lodged by the MP. Prosecutors told the court that Mwita is accused of disseminating information alleging that the legislator was sponsoring criminal gangs in Kisauni, commonly referred to as the “Panga Boys.”
However, the proceedings took a different turn after Senior Principal Magistrate Dominica Nyambu recused herself from the matter, citing a conflict of interest. The magistrate said she had previously worked with Mwita on several occasions, noting that he is a well-known court reporter.
The file was subsequently referred to Mombasa Law Courts Chief Magistrate Alex Ithuku, who is expected to either handle the case or assign it to another magistrate.
Earlier, the prosecution had applied for five more days to complete investigations. Magistrate Nyambu allowed the application, directing that the matter be mentioned on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, when it will proceed before Chief Magistrate Ithuku. As of Friday, the prosecution had not clearly outlined the specific charges facing the journalist.
Mwita’s arrest and continued detention have drawn sharp criticism from journalists, civil society groups, and media freedom advocates. The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) condemned the move, terming it harassment and intimidation of a journalists and warning that such actions threaten press freedom and constitutional guarantees. Coast Civil Society Organisations Chairperson Zedekiah Adika, who is also an advocate, said the case should not be used to instill fear among journalists.
“Journalists should not be intimidated for doing their work. They play a critical role in empowering and securing society, and we urge them to continue serving the public diligently and fearlessly,” Adika said.
Vocal Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid also criticised the police action, saying journalists are key pillars of societal growth and should not be targeted.
“Those funding criminal gangs must be exposed, and journalists and activists must work together to uncover the rot in society,” Khalid said.
MCK Coast Regional Coordinator Maureen Mudi described the detention as unfortunate, saying holding the journalist for additional days aimed at intimidation. Similar sentiments were echoed by Mombasa Press Club chairperson Omar Abdallah, who expressed concern over the safety and freedom of journalists operating at the Coast.
Mwita was reportedly summoned by police to record a statement regarding information circulated on WhatsApp relating to alleged criminal gang activity in Kisauni before his arrest. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
