“You are on your own!” IG Kanja warns police officers over misconduct after journalist assault in Nairobi

“You are on your own!” IG Kanja warns police officers over misconduct after journalist assault in Nairobi - Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja. (Photo: Handout)

Kanja said the incident, captured in footage aired by the media, had portrayed the National Police Service (NPS) in a bad light despite repeated reminders to officers to uphold professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

Officers who engage in acts of professional misconduct will only have themselves to blame, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja warned the service on Thursday following the manhandling of a journalist by police officers in Nairobi while covering demonstrations against the high cost of fuel.

In an internal communication issued to police commanders on October 22, Kanja said the incident, captured in footage aired by the media, had portrayed the National Police Service (NPS) in a bad light despite repeated reminders to officers to uphold professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

This was after Citizen TV journalist Francis Ode was assaulted by police on Mashujaa Day while covering a protest in Nairobi.

Kanja reiterated that all officers must at all times be guided by the constitutional requirements and professional standards expected of them and must always discharge their duties in a manner that inspires public confidence in the NPS rather than attract public condemnation.

"As such, any officer who deviates from the professional requirements will only have themselves to blame once subjected to the appropriate administrative action. All commanders are informed to disseminate the information to all officers under their respective commands and acknowledge receipt and compliance," the memo seen by The Eastleigh Voice reads in part.

Journalist Francis Ode after being arrested in Nairobi CBD during protests over fuel price hikes. (Photo: Courtesy)

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The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from media practitioners, human rights organisations, the Media Council of Kenya, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and members of the public.

The Inspector-General cited Article 244 of the Constitution, which requires the National Police Service to strive for the highest standards of professionalism and discipline and to comply with constitutional standards of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The directive was signed by Mathew Kutoh, Deputy Principal to the Inspector-General of Police.

Earlier, the IPOA confirmed that it has kicked off its independent probe into the matter.

At the same time, police spokesperson Muchiri Nyagah has also confirmed that the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) has launched parallel investigations into the incident.

The attack on the journalist has also been condemned by the Defenders Coalition, which, in a statement, expressed concern over the use of force and intimidation against journalists performing their professional duties, warning that such actions threaten media freedom and the public’s right to information.

The coalition maintained that journalists covering demonstrations should not be treated as participants in protests simply because they are documenting events.

“Journalists must be allowed to carry out their work without fear of violence, detention or retaliation for reporting on matters of public interest,” the organisation said.