The Media Council of Kenya and the Kenya Editors Guild have condemned the arrest and alleged assault of Citizen TV journalist Francis Odee by police officers while covering fuel price protests in Nairobi's Central Business District. This incident raises serious concerns about media freedom in Kenya.
According to an incident report, video evidence shows plainclothes officers dragging Odee near Kenyatta Avenue before bundling him into a police vehicle as he reported on the demonstrations along Kimathi Street. Odee identified himself as a journalist but was taken to Central Police Station alongside two protesters, although he was not booked at the station.
Following the intervention of Central Sub-County Police Commander Patrick Gogo, Odee was later released, with Gogo promising to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest. The Media Council stated it would follow up with the police for further details on the investigations, emphasizing the need for accountability regarding violations of media freedom and the safety of journalists.
The Kenya Editors Guild also expressed outrage over the reported arrest and assault, demanding a full investigation and an end to the profiling, harassment, and arbitrary detention of accredited media workers. The Guild wished Odee a quick recovery and expressed solidarity with him and the entire Citizen TV newsroom, insisting that journalists must be allowed to carry out their duties without intimidation.
As Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election, the Media Council has called for urgent security dialogues involving the National Police Service, media houses, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, and other relevant stakeholders. This is crucial to ensure journalists can work safely, particularly while covering public demonstrations.
The two organizations have called for accountability and respect for press freedom, which is constitutionally protected, amid growing concerns over the safety of journalists covering protests and other public events. Odee was roughed up by plainclothes officers who ignored his press identification and was briefly detained at Central Police Station alongside the activists. He has since been released from police custody.
Royal Media Services (RMS) Editorial Director Linus Kaikai has condemned the arrest and assault of Citizen TV reporter Francis Odee by plainclothes police officers while covering protests against rising fuel prices in Nairobi's Central Business District on Tuesday. In a post on X, Kaikai shared a video showing officers confronting and manhandling protesters, accusing them of using excessive force against unarmed picketers, including the journalist.
Kaikai described the incident as “lawless, unwarranted, and primitive,” calling on the National Police Service and the Ministry of Interior to stop what he termed unlawful operations by unidentified officers.
