‘I feared for my life’: Citizen TV reporter Francis Ode recounts ordeal after arrest during protests

Citizen TV Journalist Odee Francis says he feared for his life after being arrested while covering demonstrations against the recent fuel price increases in Nairobi, recalling the death of Albert Ojwang’ in police custody at Central Police Station.

Citizen TV Journalist Ode Francis says he feared for his life after being arrested and assaulted while covering demonstrations against the recent fuel price increase in Nairobi.

Ode, who was released after being held at the station, said the experience left him worried about his safety as he questioned what might happen to him while in police custody, while citing the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang in custody at the same station.

“Nilikuwa na hofu sana kwa sababu nilikuwa katika eneo ambalo nilikuwa nimetoa taarifa za awali kuhusu kifo cha Albert Ojwang, aliyepoteza maisha yake akiwa ndani ya kituo hicho,” Ode recounted.

“Nikiwa pale, nilijiuliza maswali mengi kuhusu maisha yangu. Nilijiuliza iwapo jambo lolote lingetokea kwangu kama mwanahabari, je, ingekuwa ni script ile ile ambayo nimekuwa nikiripoti kuhusu watu wengine?”

Source: Citizen Digital