Citizen TV journalist Ode Francis /HANDOUT

The National Police Service (NPS) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) have launched parallel investigations into the reported arrest of Citizen TV journalist Francis Ode.

In a press statement issued on Thursday, October 22, the NPS said its Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) had commenced investigations to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the journalist’s arrest.

The inquiry will seek to determine what happened during the incident and whether appropriate action is necessary under the law.

The police service said it was committed to ensuring that the process was transparent and accountable.

“The NPS will cooperate fully and provide all necessary support to facilitate a thorough, credible and expeditious investigation,” said the statement signed by National Police Service Director of Corporate Communication and Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga.

IPOA has also initiated an independent investigation into the matter, placing the conduct of the officers involved under separate scrutiny.

The NPS did not provide details of the findings so far or indicate when the investigations would be completed.

The investigations come amid renewed attention to the treatment of journalists covering public demonstrations and the need to safeguard media freedom.

In its statement, the NPS reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening professional working relationships with media organisations and supporting journalists in the performance of their duties.

“A free and responsible media remains a critical partner in the promotion of public confidence in policing and our robust democratic space,” the statement said.

The service appealed to members of the public and the media to remain calm and allow the investigations to take their course.

It also encouraged anyone with relevant information to report to the nearest police station or contact the authorities through the emergency numbers 999 and 911.

Additional information can be submitted through the Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ toll-free hotline, 0800 722 203, or WhatsApp number 0709 570 000.

The NPS further reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, discipline, transparency and accountability, as well as compliance with constitutional standards on human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Ode was allegedly arrested on Tuesday afternoon, October 20, while covering Mashujaa Day protests against rising fuel prices along Kimathi Street in Nairobi’s Central Business District.

Reports indicated that plainclothes police officers apprehended him as he covered the demonstrations. Despite identifying himself as a journalist, his press identification was reportedly disregarded.

He was allegedly roughed up, manhandled and bundled into a police vehicle alongside demonstrators before being taken to Central Police Station in Nairobi.

Ode was briefly detained and released later that day.

IPOA subsequently initiated an investigation into the conduct of the officers involved, raising questions about the circumstances of the arrest and the treatment of the journalist while performing his professional duties.

The parallel inquiries are expected to establish the facts surrounding the incident and determine whether the officers acted within the law.