Media Council, Editors Guild Condemn Police Assault on Citizen TV Journalist Francis Ode During Nairobi Protests

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) and the Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) have condemned the arrest and alleged assault of Citizen TV journalist Francis Ode while covering demonstrations against rising fuel prices in Nairobi, demanding investigations and accountability for the officers involved.

Ode was arrested on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, while reporting on demonstrations along Kimathi Street in Nairobi's Central Business District.

According to the Media Council, plainclothes police officers seized the journalist despite his attempts to identify himself as a member of the press.

Video footage reportedly shows officers dragging him near Kenyatta Avenue before forcing him into a police vehicle.

He was taken to Central Police Station alongside two protesters but was not formally booked. He was subsequently released following the intervention of Central OCPD Patrick Gogo.

Media Council demands accountability

The Media Council of Kenya condemned the incident and called for accountability over the treatment of the journalist.

The Council said the Central OCPD had undertaken to investigate the circumstances surrounding Ode's arrest.

"The OCPD Central has promised to investigate the circumstances surrounding the journalist's arrest," MCK said, adding that it would follow up with police to establish the outcome.

The Council also called for discussions involving the National Police Service, media houses, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights and other stakeholders to strengthen the protection of journalists ahead of the 2027 General Election.

"Press freedom is a constitutionally protected right," MCK said.

The Council warned that journalists must be able to cover public demonstrations without facing intimidation, arbitrary detention or violence.

Editors Guild demands apology from police chief

In a separate statement signed by its president, Zubeidah Kananu, the Kenya Editors Guild described Ode's arrest as an unacceptable attack on press freedom.

The Guild said the journalist was clearly identifiable as an accredited media professional when officers intercepted him, roughed him up and bundled him into a police vehicle.

It said he sustained injuries during the confrontation.

Although Ode was released following public pressure, the Guild insisted that his detention was unjustified.

"The Guild maintains that his arrest should never have occurred in the first place," the statement said.

The organisation demanded a full investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the National Police Service.

It also called for an official apology from the Inspector General of Police and assurances that journalists covering public interest matters would be protected.

The Guild described the incident as part of a troubling pattern of harassment and intimidation of media workers.

"We will not be intimidated into silence," Kananu declared.

Linus Kaikai condemns treatment of journalist

Royal Media Services Editorial Director Linus Kaikai has also condemned the treatment of Ode, adding his voice to growing concerns about the safety of journalists covering demonstrations.

The incident has attracted particular attention within the media industry because Ode was carrying out his professional duties when police officers detained him.

The condemnation from media leaders and professional organisations has intensified demands for an investigation into the officers' conduct.

What does Kenyan law say?

Article 34 of Kenya's Constitution guarantees freedom and independence of the media, while Article 29 protects individuals against violence and degrading treatment.

Article 37 also protects the right to assemble, demonstrate and picket peacefully and unarmed.

Although journalists remain subject to applicable laws, police officers must have lawful grounds for arrest and comply with constitutional safeguards.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority is empowered to investigate complaints involving police misconduct, including allegations of excessive force.

Will the officers face disciplinary action?

The circumstances surrounding Ode's arrest are now expected to come under scrutiny following the undertaking by Central OCPD Patrick Gogo to investigate the incident.

Any disciplinary or criminal action would depend on the findings of an investigation and the available evidence.

The Media Council has pledged to follow up with police, while the Editors Guild wants the Inspector General to provide assurances against further attacks on journalists.

With Kenya approaching the 2027 General Election, the incident has renewed calls for stronger safeguards for media professionals covering protests, political gatherings and other events of public interest.

For media organisations, the central concern is whether the latest condemnations will lead to meaningful accountability and prevent similar incidents in future.