Citizen TV Reporter Odee Francis Arrested During Nairobi Fuel Price Protests, Speaks

Citizen TV journalist Odee Francis was arrested by police officers while covering protests against rising fuel prices in Nairobi’s Central Business District on Tuesday, October 20.

The reporter was covering demonstrations along Kimathi Street when plainclothes officers confronted him and other protesters before forcing them into a police vehicle.

Footage circulating online showed Odee being roughed up during the arrest as fellow journalists attempted to intervene. Their efforts to stop the officers from taking him away were unsuccessful.

The arrest occurred as activists took to the streets to protest the latest increase in fuel prices announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).

The demonstrations followed EPRA’s October 14 announcement that petrol prices would rise by KSh12.93 per litre, diesel by KSh9.90 and kerosene by KSh28.49.

The price adjustments sparked concern among motorists and other consumers, with higher fuel costs likely to put additional pressure on transport fares and the cost of essential goods.

EPRA attributed the increases to higher international landed costs of imported petroleum products during the period under review.

According to the regulator, the average landed cost of imported super petrol rose by 11.81 per cent, from US$874.26 per cubic metre in August to US$977.55 in September 2026.

Diesel costs increased from US$957.05 to US$1,065.38 per cubic metre, representing an 11.32 per cent rise.

Kerosene recorded a 9.41 per cent increase, with its landed cost climbing from US$1,003.87 to US$1,098.31 per cubic metre over the same period.

The fuel price increases have added to public concerns about the cost of living, prompting calls for action from activists and other Kenyans.

Odee’s arrest also drew attention to the challenges journalists can face while covering demonstrations, particularly when police move to disperse crowds or make arrests.

Details surrounding the circumstances of his detention and whether he would be released or face charges were not provided in the report.

https://nairobileo.co.ke/news/article/30938/citizen-tv-journalist-odee-francis-arrested-while-covering-protests-in-nairobi-cbd

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