By Juddy Waka

Concerns over the safety of journalists in Kenya are growing following reports of media practitioners being assaulted, detained and threatened while carrying out their professional duties.

Citizen TV journalist Francis Ode was arrested and allegedly assaulted by police on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, while covering protests against rising fuel prices along Kimathi Street in Nairobi. He was later released, prompting renewed calls for accountability and stronger protection for media workers.

The incident adds to a series of reported attacks against journalists in the country. In March 2023, NTV cameraman Eric Isinta was reportedly injured during protests in Nairobi, while NTV reporter Ngina Kirori was also reported to have faced harassment while covering demonstrations.

In a separate incident, Alex Kiprotich, an assistant editor at the Standard Group, was reportedly abducted by armed individuals in September 2026 and questioned about his journalistic work and sources. He was later found safe, with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) initiating investigations into the matter.

Speaking on the incidents, Kenya Editors Guild President Zubeida Kananu called for thorough investigations and accountability, urging the relevant authorities to take action against those responsible for violating journalists' rights.

“We want a full investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and the National Police Service,” Kananu said.

She also called for an official apology and assurances from the Inspector General of Police regarding the safety of journalists.

“We want an official apology and an assurance from the Inspector General of Police on the safety of journalists,” she added.

Kananu further demanded an end to the profiling, harassment and arbitrary detention of media workers, emphasising the need for journalists to carry out their duties without intimidation.

“There must be a cessation of the profiling, harassment and arbitrary detention of accredited media workers,” she said.

The reported incidents have renewed concerns over media freedom, police accountability and the safety of journalists covering protests and other public events in Kenya.

Article 34 of the Constitution of Kenya guarantees freedom of the media and prohibits the State from exercising control over or interfering with the freedom of the media. The constitutional provision underscores the importance of protecting journalists from intimidation, violence and unlawful interference as they carry out their professional responsibilities.