NPS Breaks Silence on Arrest of Citizen TV Journalist Francis Odee

The National Police Service (NPS) has broken its silence on the arrest of Citizen TV journalist Francis Odee.

The National Police Service (NPS) has broken its silence on the arrest of Citizen TV journalist Francis Odee, confirming that investigations have been launched to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

In a statement on Thursday, October 22, the NPS said its Internal Affairs Unit had commenced investigations into the matter, with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) also initiating a separate investigation.

“Upon receipt of the report, the NPS Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) commenced investigations to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident, with a view to taking appropriate, transparent and accountable action within the confines of our laws,” the statement read.

The NPS further confirmed that IPOA had taken up the matter, assuring the public that it would cooperate with the independent oversight body to facilitate the investigations.

“The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has also initiated investigations into the matter. The NPS will cooperate fully and provide all necessary support to facilitate a thorough, credible and expeditious investigation,” the statement added.

The NPS also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining professional relations with journalists, noting that the media plays an important role in promoting public confidence in policing and strengthening democracy.

“The NPS has continued to strengthen cooperation and professional working relationships with the media and will continue to offer the necessary support to 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 further read.

File image of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja

Earlier Thursday, IPOA Chairperson Duncan Ojwang said the authority launched investigations on October 20, following the incident.

Ojwang noted that the authority contacted Odee on Wednesday, October 21, to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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

“On 21st October 2026, the Authority contacted Mr. Francis as part of its preliminary investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident,” read the statement in part.

The IPOA Chairperson said officials from the authority will visit Central Police Station, examine relevant police records and obtain accounts from officers deployed to manage public order during the protests.

According to Ojwang, the probe will seek to establish the circumstances surrounding Odee’s arrest and detention and determine whether the officers involved acted in accordance with the law

“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,” he stated.

Further, Ojwang said IPOA will make appropriate recommendations to relevant institutions once the investigations are complete, including accountability measures if culpability is established.

He also said the authority would consider recommendations to strengthen cooperation and professional relations between police officers and journalists.

Kevin Koech is a seasoned digital journalist with over five years in the industry, covering breaking news, current affairs, and business stories.

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