KEG demands probe, apology from IG Kanja over assault of Citizen TV’s Francis Ode

The Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) has condemned the arrest and alleged assault of Citizen TV journalist Francis Ode during protests against high fuel prices in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) on Tuesday.

In a statement issued in the evening, KEG President Zubeidah Kananu called out the officers who orchestrated the incident, demanding an apology from the Inspector General of Police and assurances that journalists will be protected while on assignment.

Kananu underscored that Ode was covering a public press conference and peaceful demonstrations when officers intercepted him, despite his identification as an accredited journalist.

“KEG is deeply appalled by the reported arrest and assault of Citizen TV journalist Francis Ode by police officers while he was in the line of duty,” stated Kananu.

“While we acknowledge that Ode has since been released following immediate pressure and public outcry, the Guild maintains that his arrest should never have occurred in the first place.”

KEG pointed out that Ode’s release did not resolve concerns over the circumstances of his arrest and alleged mistreatment, insisting that the incident required accountability.

“This incident is not an isolated oversight; it represents a dangerous, continuing trend of law enforcement officers targeting journalists to suppress public interest stories,” stated Kananu.

The Guild also demanded an official apology from Police IG Douglas Kanja and assurances that journalists covering matters of public interest would be protected from harassment and arbitrary detention.

It further called for an end to the profiling of accredited media workers, warning that such incidents undermine the media's ability to report on issues affecting the public.

“Journalistic assignments—including the coverage of public protests—are fully protected under the Constitution of Kenya. Freedom of the media and the right of the public to be informed are non-negotiable pillars of our democracy,” said the KEG President.

The incident occurred as demonstrators took to Kimathi Street to protest rising fuel prices, with Ode reportedly roughed up by plainclothes officers who allegedly ignored his press identification before detaining him at the Nairobi Central Police Station.

The Crime Journalists Association of Kenya (CJAK) also condemned Ode's arrest and alleged assault, calling for an independent investigation into the grounds for his arrest and his treatment in custody.

CJAK Chairperson Joseph Muraya said the journalist's release was welcome but stressed that it should not replace accountability for any wrongdoing.

The association urged the National Police Service (NPS) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to establish what happened during the arrest and detention and ensure that any officers found to have violated the law are held accountable.

The two media organisations cited constitutional protections for journalists, with CJAK referencing Article 34, which guarantees media freedom and independence, and Article 29(c), which protects every person from violence from either public or private sources.