Crime journalists condemn arrest, assault of Citizen TV’s Francis Ode

The Crime Journalists Association of Kenya (CJAK) has condemned the arrest and assault of Citizen TV reporter Francis Ode while covering protests against high fuel prices in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD), calling for an independent investigation into the incident.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, CJAK said Ode's release from police custody was welcome but should not mark the end of efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding his arrest and alleged mistreatment.

Ode was arrested while covering demonstrations along Kimathi Street, where protesters had taken to the streets over rising fuel costs.

He was reportedly roughed up by plainclothes police officers who repeatedly ignored his press identification and briefly detained him at the Nairobi Central Police Station alongside activists. The journalist has since been released.

CJAK Chairperson Joseph Muraya, in the statement, said journalists should be able to cover public events without facing arrest or physical harm in the course of their work.

He called on the National Police Service (NPS) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to establish the grounds for Ode's arrest, investigate his treatment in custody and identify officers who may have been involved in assault or other misconduct.

"Ode's release is welcome, but release alone is not accountability. The circumstances of his arrest and the assault must be fully and independently investigated. Article 34(1) of the Constitution guarantees the freedom and independence of electronic, print and all other types of media," stated Muraya.

"Article 34(2) bars the State from interfering with the dissemination of information or penalising anyone for the content of a publication or broadcast. Article 29(c) also protects every person from "any form of violence from either public or private sources."

The CJAK Chairperson added: “Any officer found to have violated the law must be held accountable."

The association also referenced Article 29(c), which protects every person from any form of violence from either public or private sources.

While acknowledging the police's responsibility to maintain public order, the crime journalists’ body said the mandate should not be used to intimidate or subject journalists to violence while they carry out their duties.

CJAK said it would continue to follow the case, urging authorities to ensure journalists can report safely and without fear.