The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) has launched investigations into the arrest and detention of Citizen TV journalist Francis Odee during fuel protests on Mashujaa Day, seeking to establish whether officers acted within the law.
In a statement on Thursday, Ipoa Chairperson Duncan Oburu said the authority would review police records and obtain accounts from officers deployed to manage public order during the demonstrations.
“As part of the ongoing investigations, Ipoa will visit Central Police Station, examine relevant police records and obtain accounts from 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 the actions of the officers involved complied with the law and established policing procedures,” he said in the statement.
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Ode Francis was covering protests against the recent increase in fuel prices when he was arrested during the Mashujaa Day demonstrations.
IPOA said its investigations into incidents involving police officers and journalists performing their professional duties were essential to promoting accountability, protecting constitutional rights and strengthening public confidence in the National Police Service.
The authority cited Article 244 of the Constitution, which requires the police to uphold professionalism, discipline, transparency and accountability, as well as Articles 33, 34 and 35, which guarantee freedom of expression, media freedom and access to information.
“IPOA underscores the importance of upholding the Constitution of Kenya, particularly Article 244, which requires the National Police Service 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. Equally important are Articles 33, 34 and 35, which protect the freedom of expression, media freedom and access to information, respectively,” he added.
The authority said it would make appropriate recommendations to the relevant institutions once the investigations were complete, including on accountability if any officers were found culpable.
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It will also consider measures to improve cooperation and professional relations between the police and the media, noting that the two often operate in the same environments during public order operations despite having different roles and objectives.
“IPOA remains committed to promoting accountable and professional policing while safeguarding the constitutional rights and freedoms of all Kenyans,” the chairperson added.
On Wednesday, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) called on Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja to preserve deployment records relating to the protests and ensure officers cooperate fully with investigators.
“Protecting public order must not become a pretext for suppressing peaceful dissent or media freedom,” the commission said in a statement.
The investigation comes amid growing scrutiny of police conduct during demonstrations against rising fuel prices and the treatment of journalists covering public protests.
IPOA is mandated to provide civilian oversight of the National Police Service and investigate complaints involving police conduct, including alleged misconduct during arrests and public demonstrations.
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