The Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) has strongly condemned the arrest and alleged assault of Citizen TV journalist Francis Odee by police officers while covering demonstrations against rising fuel prices in Nairobi, describing the incident as part of a disturbing pattern of attacks on journalists.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, 20 October, the Guild accused police officers of using unnecessary force against Odee, who was covering a public press conference and peaceful demonstrations along Kimathi Street in Nairobi's Central Business District.

According to the Guild, officers intercepted the journalist despite his identification as an accredited media professional, physically assaulted him and forced him into a police vehicle before taking him to Central Police Station.

The organisation said Odee sustained injuries during the confrontation.

Editors demand investigation and police apology

Kenya Editors Guild President Zubeidah Kananu called for an immediate investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the National Police Service (NPS) to establish the circumstances surrounding the arrest and identify the officers involved.

The Guild also demanded an official apology from the Inspector General of Police and assurances that journalists covering matters of public interest would be protected from intimidation and violence.

Although Odee was subsequently released following public pressure, the organisation maintained that his detention was unjustified.

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

The organisation further called for an end to the profiling, harassment and arbitrary detention of accredited journalists.

Growing concerns over attacks on journalists

The incident has renewed concerns about the relationship between security agencies and journalists covering demonstrations and other politically sensitive events.

The Kenya Editors Guild described Odee's treatment as part of a continuing pattern of police actions that threaten press freedom and restrict access to information.

"This incident is not an isolated oversight; it represents a dangerous, continuing trend of law enforcement officers targeting journalists to suppress public interest stories," the Guild said.

The Crime Journalists Association of Kenya has also condemned the incident and called for accountability.

Odee's arrest has drawn particular attention because he was performing a recognised journalistic assignment at the time of the confrontation.

What does Kenyan law say about journalists' rights?

Article 34 of Kenya's Constitution guarantees freedom and independence of the media, while Article 33 protects freedom of expression.

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

Although journalists remain subject to applicable laws, police officers must have lawful grounds for arrest and must respect constitutional protections against violence, arbitrary detention and degrading treatment.

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

Will the officers involved face disciplinary action?

The Guild wants investigators to examine the conduct of the officers involved, including the circumstances of Odee's arrest, his treatment during detention and the injuries he reportedly sustained.

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

At the time of this report, an official response from the National Police Service to the Guild's demands had not been independently established.

The Kenya Editors Guild expressed solidarity with Odee and the Citizen TV newsroom, insisting that journalists must be allowed to report without fear of intimidation.

"We will not be intimidated into silence," the statement signed by Kananu concluded.

The incident now places renewed scrutiny on police accountability and the government's responsibility to safeguard press freedom, particularly as journalists continue covering public demonstrations and other matters of national interest.