NPS Breaks Silence on Francis Odee’s Arrest as IPOA Launches Probe

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 issued on Thursday, October 22, the police service said its Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) had commenced investigations to determine what happened and establish whether appropriate procedures were followed.

The NPS pledged to take transparent and accountable action based on the findings of the investigations.

“Upon receipt of the report, the NPS Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) commenced investigations to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident,” the statement read.

The police service also confirmed that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) had independently taken up the matter.

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The NPS assured the oversight body of its full cooperation, promising to provide the necessary support to facilitate a thorough and credible investigation.

IPOA Chairperson Duncan Ojwang earlier revealed that the authority launched its investigations on October 20, following Odee’s arrest.

According to Ojwang, the journalist was covering protests against the recent increase in fuel prices when the incident occurred.

IPOA contacted Odee on Wednesday, October 21, as part of its preliminary inquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding his arrest and detention.

The authority plans to visit Central Police Station, examine relevant police records and obtain accounts from officers deployed to manage public order during the demonstrations.

Ojwang said investigators would determine whether the officers involved acted within the law and followed established policing procedures.

Upon completing the probe, IPOA will make recommendations to relevant institutions, including possible accountability measures if wrongdoing is established.

The authority will also consider measures to improve professional relations between police officers and journalists.

Meanwhile, the NPS reaffirmed its commitment to working with the media, describing a free and responsible press as an important partner in strengthening democracy and promoting public confidence in policing.

The investigations come amid renewed attention to the safety of journalists covering demonstrations and other public events in Kenya.

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