Citizen TV journalist Francis Odee freed after arrest during fuel price hike protests

Citizen TV journalist Francis Odee freed after arrest during fuel price hike protests

The arrest drew protests from members of the public and fellow journalists, who appealed to the officers to recognise that Odee was carrying out his professional duties.

Citizen TV journalist Francis Odee was arrested by police on Tuesday while covering demonstrations against rising fuel prices along Kimathi Street in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD), raising fresh concerns about the safety of journalists reporting on public protests.

According to reports by Citizen Digital, Odee was on assignment covering demonstrations by Kenyans protesting the high cost of fuel. The journalist was reportedly roughed up alongside demonstrators before being bundled into a police vehicle.

The arrest drew protests from members of the public and fellow journalists, who appealed to the officers to recognise that Odee was carrying out his professional duties.

Footage of the incident captured by The Eastleigh Voice shows members of the public questioning officers over the decision to arrest the journalist despite repeated pleas for his release.

The incident occurred amid growing public discontent over rising fuel prices and their impact on the cost of living.

Fuel price increases have placed additional pressure on households, businesses and public transport operators, raising concerns that higher transport and operational costs could further drive up the prices of essential goods and services.

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The demonstrations in Nairobi's CBD brought renewed attention to the economic challenges facing ordinary Kenyans, as protesters took to the streets to express their dissatisfaction with the rising cost of fuel.

Odee's arrest has also drawn attention to the working conditions of journalists covering demonstrations, particularly when tensions arise between security officers and protesters.

Journalists play a critical role in informing the public about protests, police operations and matters of national interest. Their ability to report freely and safely is essential to public accountability and access to information.

He was briefly detained at Central Police Station alongside other activists before being released from police custody.

His arrest has been condemned by the Crime Journalists Association of Kenya (CJAK), of which he is a member. In a statement, CJAK Chairperson Joseph Muraya said a journalist covering a public event should not be arrested or physically harmed for doing their job.

“Odee’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,” Mr Muraya said, citing Article 34(2), which bars the State from interfering with the dissemination of information or penalising anyone for the content of a publication or broadcast.

It also called on the National Police Service (NPS) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to establish the grounds for Odee’s arrest, determine what happened to him in custody, and identify anyone responsible for assault or misconduct.

“Any officer found to have violated the law must be held accountable. Police have a duty to maintain public order. That duty does not permit intimidation or violence against journalists. Journalists must be able to report safely and without fear," he added.