Kanja’s warning to police after journalist’s protest ordeal

Kanja said the incident captured in footage aired by mainstream media had portrayed the National Police Service (NPS) in a bad light.

The Inspector-General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has expressed concern over the alleged manhandling of a journalist by police officers in Nairobi while covering demonstrations against the high cost of fuel.

This followed the alleged assault of Citizen TV journalist Francis Odee by police officers on Mashujaa Day while he was covering protests in Nairobi. His shirt was torn during the incident.

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organisations, the Media Council of Kenya, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and members of the public.

Kanja cited Article 244 of the Constitution, which requires the National Police Service to strive for the highest standards of professionalism and discipline and to comply with constitutional standards of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Source: The Star