Mutomo town and the broader Kitui South constituency erupted in a wave of defiance and solidarity as dozens of media practitioners from Kitui County descended upon the region in support of one of their own Emmanuel Maleve, popularly known as Hopkin Digital. The energetic gathering was not merely a show of support, but a bold declaration against what many in the media fraternity are calling a blatant attempt to muzzle press freedom. Maleve, who was arrested last week under the directive of Kitui South MP Rachel Kaki, had been accused of cybercrime a charge the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions later declared baseless, leading to his release after 24 hours in custody at Muthaiga Police Station.
The arrest sent shockwaves through the journalism community, igniting outrage over what is being perceived as a politically motivated move to suppress truth-telling. Maleve had been vocal about alleged financial irregularities involving the Kitui South NG-CDF fund, a stance that reportedly drew ire from powerful quarters. Now, his fellow journalists are refusing to be cowed. Speaking from Mutomo, several members of the press condemned MP Kaki’s actions, declaring that no amount of intimidation will silence their pursuit of truth and justice. “You can arrest a person, but not the truth,” one journalist proclaimed.
The symbolic journey continues as the swelling crowd of reporters, photographers, and supporters make their way to Kasaala Maleve’s home for a raucous homecoming celebration. The air is thick with both festivity and fierce resolve. The theme of the day, emblazoned on banners and echoed in chants, is unequivocal: *#JournalismIsNotACrime*. As anticipation builds, all eyes are on the imminent press conference where Maleve is expected to address the nation, likely pulling no punches in what insiders describe as a potentially “explosive” statement.
This event marks more than just a homecoming it is a political and journalistic flashpoint, a line drawn in the red Kitui dust between those who expose corruption and those who attempt to bury it. The media presence in Kitui South sends a message far louder than any headline: the Fourth Estate is watching, and it will not blink. In a time where truth-telling is under siege, the courage of journalists like Emmanuel Maleve and the unwavering support of his peersmay be the firewall that keeps democracy alive.
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