The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into the arrest and brief detention of journalist Francis Odee while covering protests against the recent increase in fuel prices.

In a statement issued Thursday, the authority said it launched the investigations on October 20, 2026, and contacted Odee the following day as part of preliminary inquiries.

“As part of the ongoing investigations, IPOA will visit Central Police Station, examine relevant police records and obtain accounts from police officers deployed to manage public order during the protests. These inquiries will seek to establish the circumstances of the arrest and detention and determine whether the actions of the officers involved complied with the law and established policing procedures,” the statement says.

At the time of the incident, Odee was covering protests against the recent increase in fuel prices.

IPOA assured of its commitment to independently and impartially investigating incidents involving police officers and journalists in the course of their professional duties, noting that such Investigations are essential to promoting police accountability, safeguarding constitutional rights and strengthening public confidence in policing.

“IPOA underscores the importance of upholding the Constitution of Kenya, particularly Article 244, which requires the National Police Service to strive for the highest standards of professionalism and discipline, promote and practise transparency and accountability, and comply with constitutional standards of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Equally important are Articles 33, 34 and 35, which protect the freedom of expression, media freedom and access to information, respectively,” the statement signed by the IPOA Chairperson Duncan Oburu adds.

After concluding the investigations, the authority said it will make appropriate recommendations to the relevant institutions, including on accountability where culpability is established. 

The authority will also consider recommendations aimed at strengthening cooperation and professional working relationships between the police and the media, recognising that, although their respective roles and objectives differ, they often operate in the same environments, particularly during public order operations.

“IPOA remains committed to promoting accountable and professional policing while safeguarding the constitutional rights and freedoms of all Kenyans,” the chairperson added.

On Wednesday, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights called on the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to preserve the necessary deployment records for the day and ensure police cooperate fully with investigators probing the matter.

“Protecting public order must not become a pretext for suppressing peaceful dissent or media freedom,” the independent commission said in a statement.