Nation journalist arrested over bribery claims

Nation Media Group (NMG) journalist Walter Menya has been arrested, with police boss Kinoti George saying that he has been remanded till Monday for soliciting a bribe.

In a statement circulated to newsrooms Sunday, Kinoti said that that the Sunday Nation reporter has asked for money to kill a story – one that NMG says was published Sunday.

“Today, 18th day of June 2017, a Sunday Nation reporter, Walter Menya was arrested following a complaint for soliciting a bribe to write a damaging story in the Nation newspaper,” read the statement.

According to police, he was nabbed after he received Ksh.20,000 Sunday.

“He has been demanding money severally to kill the alleged story. At different times he has received a total of Ksh. 35,000/= through MPESA and today he was arrested receiving Ksh. 20,000/,” read the statement.

On their part, NMG says they fear for Menya’s safety.

“There are fears for the safety of Nation reporter Walter Menya who was arrested earlier today and is being held by police incommunicado. Walter, who was recently discharged from hospital, does not have his medication in custody,” said the Executive Editor Mutuma Mathiu.

‪The publisher’s Head of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Clifford Machoka says the firm is following up with investigating agencies to gain clarity on the issue.

Menya is to be arraigned in Court Monday.