Nation journalist Walter Menya held for a day to allow police 'take fingerprints'

Walter Menya a journalist is escorted to the cells at Milimani court. The police appllied to be given more days to complete investigation.He is accused of demanding Sh50,000 from Kiprotich Koros. 19/6/2017 GEORGE NJUNGE

Nation journalist Walter Menya was yesterday detained for one day to allow the police complete investigations into allegations of soliciting money.

Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Martha Mutuku said Mr Menya would remain in custody until today 5pm to enable investigators take his fingerprints and identity card details.

"I have considered the application by both the respondent and the Prosecution and I do find the respondent is innocent until proven guilty. However, the police need some information from him," said Ms Mutuku.

Menya was arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts after his arrest on Sunday and spent the night at an undisclosed police station.

His lawyers, James Orengo and Apollo Mboya, told the court that Menya was being crucified for his work, which had touched some people in Government negatively.

"My client was arrested by (Moses) Gituathi and at the time of arrest, he was threatened. At one point, he was told he would be taken to Karura Forest to be dumped," said Mr Orengo.

Mr Gituathi is an investigating officer attached the Directorate of Criminal Investigation headquarters.

The defence said Menya was unwell and needed medical attention. "There is media freedom and Menya has a right to a fair trial," said Mr Mboya. Their application was, however, rejected.