Court detains journalist over Kisauni gangs story allegedly linking area MP
A Mombasa court ordered the detention of investigative journalist Peter Mwita Maseke for five days in connection with a story he published alleging the existence of criminal gangs terrorizing residents of Kisauni and linking their activities to the area Member of Parliament.
Chief Magistrate Dominica Nyambu directed that Maseke be held at Central Police Station to allow the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to complete investigations into the publication.
Appearing before the court, investigating officer Stephen Agutu said the complaint was lodged by Kisauni MP Rashid Juma Benzimba, who was aggrieved by the article.
The story allegedly linked the legislator to the financing of criminal gangs operating within the constituency.
According to police, Maseke had shared information with the Mombasa County Police Commander while seeking a right of reply ahead of publication.
The information alleged that the gang was led by an individual popularly known as “Captain” or “Babake Khalid,” said to be based in the Sunrise area of Nyevu Estate near the Nguu Tatu Nature Trail.
The message also outlined alleged members of the group and their purported areas of operation.
Police further told the court that the gang has been linked to a series of criminal activities in the area.
Investigators cited a recent incident in which a man was allegedly killed after confronting gang members during a suspected break-in. Two suspects — Mohamed Omar Hamisi alias Babu and Julius Otieno Mageta alias Junior — were later arrested in connection with the killing.
In another incident reported to the court, officers said that on Tuesday night, a group of about 40 youths was spotted breaking into a shop in Utange Village, raising fresh security concerns among residents.
Agutu told the court that investigators require more time to retrieve and analyze data from Maseke’s mobile phone, which they intend to rely on as part of the evidence in the case.
The court was also informed that prior to publishing the story, Maseke contacted Mombasa County Police Commander Peter Kimani to seek clarification regarding the alleged involvement of the Kisauni MP.
The matter is expected to be mentioned after the five-day detention period as investigations continue.