Journalist Collin Kweyu Receives Death Threats After Turning State Witness in Bribery Case Against Migori Judge

Standard Group photojournalist Collins Kweyu’s life has been thrust into peril following menacing threats received through WhatsApp after he agreed to testify as a State witness in a case involving a Migori-based judge suspected of bribery.

The threats, which escalated from cryptic warnings to explicit death threats, have forced the journalist to seek police protection even as he navigates the treacherous waters of exposing judicial corruption.

According to Kweyu, the anonymous sender first introduced himself as a Director of Criminal Investigations officer before revealing his true intentions to silence the journalist permanently.

The chilling messages warned him in Kiswahili to “leave the judge alone,” with the sender adding ominously that Kweyu had “touched a live wire.”

When the threats intensified, the sender declared that “the world is coming to an end today” and commanded Kweyu to “be ready.”

The cryptic response “message home” sent shivers down the journalist’s spine as he realized the gravity of the situation.

The sinister campaign took a mocking turn the following day when fresh messages arrived from the same contact, this time taunting Kweyu for being “afraid” before reverting to threats.

“Bro kumbe unakuwanga muoga hivi,” read one of the messages, questioning the journalist’s courage while simultaneously attempting to track his whereabouts.

In a desperate attempt to unmask his tormentor, Kweyu asked whether he could call directly.

The sender’s response was deliberately evasive, insisting he was a fellow journalist who meant no harm to “a fellow journalist.”

The elaborate charade even included an offer to explain everything if Kweyu would only reveal his location.

The journalist, however, remained unconvinced by the theatrical performance and promptly reported the matter to police at Central Police Station in Nairobi on Monday, where a formal statement was recorded.

His lawyer, Nelson Havi, confirmed on Tuesday that the individual behind the threats has been summoned to appear before police to record a statement.

On September 20, Kweyu was escorted to Nairobi DCI headquarters following a complaint lodged against him by the Migori judge.

Police detained him at Central Police Station as part of investigations into harassment and identity theft allegations.

But the tables have turned dramatically, Kweyu is no longer the accused but a protected witness in what promises to be a high-stakes corruption case involving the judiciary.

Havi said the threats were part of a wider pattern of intimidation linked to the ongoing criminal investigation against the Migori-based judge.

The case has thrust into sharp relief the dangers faced by journalists who dare to investigate corruption within Kenya’s justice system.

Migori County Criminal Investigations Officer Benard Wamalwa confirmed that Kweyu had been summoned over the weekend after the judge filed a complaint.

Following detailed interrogations on Wednesday at Migori DCI offices, Wamalwa announced that the journalist had fully cooperated with investigators and would now serve as a State witness.

“We have done a detailed statement from him. He has cooperated with us,” Wamalwa stated, signaling a dramatic shift in the case’s trajectory. “He is now not under arrest or investigation. Kweyu is a free man.”

The journalist’s lawyer, Esther Ang’awa, emphasized that her client had been transparent throughout the ordeal and faced no further legal jeopardy. “Kweyu is a free man,” she declared, though the death threats hanging over his head suggest freedom remains relative.

For his part, Kweyu has maintained his innocence, insisting he was merely pursuing a legitimate story when he contacted the judge.

He vehemently denied demanding any bribes, stating he only sought the judge’s response to serious allegations.

The case underscores the precarious position of investigative journalists in Kenya, where exposing corruption can swiftly transform from professional duty to personal survival.

As Kweyu prepares to testify, the threats against him serve as a stark reminder that those who shine light into dark corners often find themselves targeted by the shadows they expose.

With his two phones now returned and his status upgraded from suspect to witness, Kweyu faces an uncertain future—one where seeking truth could cost him everything.

The question remains: will justice prevail, or will intimidation silence yet another voice willing to speak truth to power?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​