Updated

A leading Kenyan newspaper says its parliamentary reporter was taken in for questioning and then released over a story exposing that the security ministry spent $3.8 million in a day.

The Daily Nation newspaper said Tuesday that John Ngirachu was released after making a statement to the security ministry.

Security Minister John Nkaissery said earlier that the journalist would be released when he divulges the source for his story on alleged state procurement irregularities.

Nkaissery has claimed there is a media campaign to discredit the government. International and local media have criticized President Uhuru Kenyatta's regime for restricting press freedom either through legislation or attacks on journalists by security agents. Kenyatta has recently said twice that newspapers are only good for "wrapping meat."