IPOA to visit Central Police Station to probe arrest of Journalist Francis Ode

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has announced plans to visit Central Police Station as part of ongoing investigations into the arrest of Citizen TV journalist Francis Ode.

In a press statement dated October 22, 2026, IPOA said the visit will examine relevant police records and obtain accounts from the police officers deployed to manage public order during the protests.

“These inquiries will seek to establish the circumstances of the arrest and detention and determine whether these actions of the officers involved complied with the law and established policing procedures,” IPOA explained.

IPOA said it initiated the investigations on October 20, 2026, and contacted Ode on October 21, 2026, to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. 

The authority stressed the importance of upholding the Kenyan Constitution, which requires the National Police Service (NPS) to strive for the highest standards of professionalism and discipline, promote and practise transparency and accountability, and comply with constitutional standards of human rights and fundamental freedoms, as stated in Article 244.

“Equally important are Articles 33, 34 and 35, which protect the freedom of expression, media freedom and access to information, respectively,” it stated.

IPOA also promised to make appropriate recommendations to relevant institutions, including on accountability where culpability is established, upon completion of the investigations. 

The authority also said it would consider recommendations aimed at strengthening cooperation and professional working relationships between the police and the media.

“…although their respective roles and objectives differ, they often operate in the same environments, particularly during public order operations,” IPOA noted.

Ode was arrested and assaulted while covering demonstrations against the recent fuel price increase in Nairobi.