By Nyang’au Araka
The Crime Journalists’ Association of Kenya (CJAK) has called for an independent investigation into the arrest and alleged assault of Citizen TV journalist Francis Odee while covering fuel-price protests in Nairobi.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the association condemned Odee’s treatment along Kimathi Street in the Central Business District, where demonstrators had gathered to protest rising petroleum prices.
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“A journalist covering a public event should not be arrested or physically harmed for doing their job,” CJAK chairperson Joseph Muraya said, demanding accountability for the incident.
The association welcomed Odee’s release from police custody but maintained that authorities must establish the circumstances surrounding his arrest and what happened to him while detained.
“Odee’s release is welcome, but release alone is not accountability,” Muraya said.
The journalist was reportedly roughed up by plainclothes officers who ignored his press identification before bundling him into a police vehicle. He was taken to Central Police Station alongside protesters and was later released.
Footage of the incident circulated online, showing officers dragging Odee along Kimathi Street near the junction with Kenyatta Avenue as members of the public and fellow journalists protested his arrest.
Police, IPOA to investigate
CJAK has called on the National Police Service and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to establish the grounds for Odee’s arrest, determine his treatment in custody and identify those responsible for any assault or misconduct.
“Any officer found to have violated the law must be held accountable,” the association said.
Muraya emphasised that although police had a responsibility to maintain public order, that mandate did not give officers the right to intimidate journalists performing their duties.
“That duty does not permit intimidation or violence against journalists carrying out their work,” he said.
The association cited Article 34(1) of the Constitution, which guarantees the freedom and independence of the media, and Article 34(2), which bars the State from interfering with the dissemination of information or penalising anyone for the content of a publication or broadcast.
It also invoked Article 29(c), which protects every person from violence from either public or private sources.
CJAK said it would continue following the case and urged authorities to ensure journalists could report safely and without fear.
Media bodies condemn arrest
The incident has drawn condemnation from other media organisations, with the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) and the Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) also demanding accountability.
In a separate statement, MCK condemned Odee’s arrest and called for enhanced protection of journalists covering public demonstrations. The council said the journalist had been arrested despite identifying himself as a journalist on assignment.
MCK further indicated that the police had undertaken to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. It said it would follow up with the police for details of the inquiry.
KEG president Zubeidah Kananu also condemned the journalist’s treatment, saying he had been manhandled despite being identifiable as a media professional.
The guild called on Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja to apologise and urged authorities to end the profiling, harassment and arbitrary detention of accredited journalists.
The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of media practitioners covering protests, particularly as Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election. Media organisations have urged security agencies to respect press freedom and ensure officers responsible for violations are held accountable.
Fuel price increases
Odee’s arrest occurred during demonstrations against the latest increase in petroleum prices announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
In its October 14 review, EPRA raised the maximum retail price of super petrol by Sh12.93 per litre, diesel by Sh9.90 and kerosene by Sh28.49, effective October 15.
In Nairobi, the new maximum prices stood at Sh226.96 per litre for super petrol, Sh227.76 for diesel and Sh219.87 for kerosene, intensifying concerns about the cost of transport and the wider cost of living.
The protests brought together activists who sought relief from rising fuel costs, which affect transport operators, businesses and households through higher operating and living expenses.
CJAK said the responsibility of maintaining order during demonstrations should not come at the expense of journalists’ constitutional rights.
The association urged the relevant authorities to investigate the incident fully and ensure those found culpable face appropriate action.
