The Court Reporters Association of Kenya (CRAK) has been informed of the arrest of one of our members, Mr. Collins Kweyu, a photojournalist with The Standard.
Preliminary information indicates that Mr. Kweyu’s arrest stems from a complaint filed by a Migori-based judge.
While we recognize the duty of law enforcement to investigate allegations of wrongdoing, we emphasize that every suspect is entitled to bail unless compelling reasons are presented to justify continued detention, as stipulated by law.
Mr. Kweyu is a respected and long-serving journalist with a known place of residence. We urge the authorities to release him as investigations continue. Should further action be required, he can be summoned to appear before the police or the court.
We remain deeply concerned by the broader issue of how suspects are treated while in custody—concerns that have been heightened by the recent and tragic death of Albert Ojwang.
This case highlights the urgent need for law enforcement agencies to respect the rights and dignity of all individuals under investigation, and to uphold due process at every stage.
It is a cornerstone of our justice system that anyone under investigation is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The right to bail is not a mere legal formality—it is a crucial safeguard of personal liberty and human dignity.
We call on law enforcement agencies to operate strictly within the bounds of the law and to ensure that pre-trial detention is not misused as a form of punishment.
As this matter progresses, we urge all relevant authorities to respect the rights of suspects and to act swiftly to restore public confidence in our justice system.
Sam Kiplagat
Secretary General
Court Reporters Association of Kenya (CRAK)
