Kenya
Authorities arrest and hold former journalistPosted Oct 25 2008
Kenyan police arrested the head of the Kenyan chapter of Seafarers assistance program, Andrew Mwangura, Oct. 1 for allegedly making false statements. According to Reporters Without Borders, in his report concerning the destination of the Ukranian cargo ship the Faina, Mwangura contradicted the official version released by the government. Pirates had seized the Faina on Sept. 25 off the coast of Somali, en route to Kenya’s Mombasa port. The ship’s capture has created much speculation about the intended destination of the cargo: 30 Soviet-made assault tanks, rocket launchers and anti-aircraft batteries. Although both the Kenyan and Ukranian governments state the ship was headed for Kenya, Mwangura claims the arms were destined for South Sudan. He continues, charging that he has seen documents supporting his argument.
Police apprehended him as he departed the offices of The Standard newspaper in Mombasa and transferred him to the police station.
A Mombasa court ordered Mwangura to be freed on bail Oct. 7 for just over $2,700. However, his family was unable to raise the required amount. Authorities then transferred him to the Shimo La Tewa prison of Mombasa the same day.
After being held for nine days, Mwangura was freed on bail Oct. 10. Happy with the court decision, Mwangura returned to work in the fight against piracy in the region, as reported by Reporters Without Borders.