The Crime Journalists Association of Kenya (CJAK) has condemned the arrest and alleged physical assault of Citizen TV journalist Francis Odee while covering fuel price protests along Kimathi Street in Nairobi.
In a statement led by its Chairperson, Joseph Muraya, the association said Odee’s release was welcome but insisted that the circumstances surrounding his arrest and alleged assault must be investigated.
“Release alone is not accountability,” CJAK said, calling on the National Police Service and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conduct a full and independent investigation into the incident.
The association wants investigators to establish the grounds for Odee’s arrest, examine the conditions under which he was held and determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault.
CJAK further called for any officers found responsible for wrongdoing to be held accountable in accordance with the law.
The association cited Article 34 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom and independence of the media, and Article 29, which protects individuals from violence and other forms of abuse.
It said journalists must be able to cover public demonstrations and other events without facing intimidation or violence in the course of their work.
The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of journalists covering protests and the need to protect media freedom while ensuring accountability for alleged police misconduct.
CJAK urged the relevant authorities to investigate the matter independently and take appropriate action based on the findings.
