IPOA to summon 7 police officers over arrest of Citizen TV journalist Francis Ode

Citizen TV journalist Francis Ode has filed a formal complaint with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) over his forceful arrest and detention while covering Tuesday’s protests against rising fuel prices.

IPOA says it will summon more than seven police officers, including the Central Police Station OCPD Patrick Gogo and five constables accused of arresting Ode, to explain their role in the incident.

The five constables are identified as Maripet, Silas Lugare, Abdi Aziz, Korir and Kilonzo.

The five officers were captured on camera driving away in a police Land Cruiser after Ode’s arrest. They will be required to explain the circumstances of the arrest, including Ode’s claim that he identified himself as a journalist more than ten times and was assaulted.

IPOA will also seek explanations from officers accused of refusing to record Ode’s complaint in the Occurrence Book, despite his allegation that he had been assaulted.

Meanwhile, three activists arrested alongside Ode during the protests appeared before the Milimani Law Courts and were released on cash bail of Ksh.5,000 each as investigations continue.

Ode was arrested and detained at Central Police Station on Tuesday while covering protests against rising fuel prices, despite identifying himself as a journalist.

The incident has renewed questions over the treatment of journalists covering public protests and the need to protect media freedom while ensuring police accountability.