NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja has warned officers that they will face administrative action for professional misconduct following the assault of a journalist covering demonstrations against high fuel prices in Nairobi.
In an internal memo dated October 22, Kanja said footage of the incident, which was broadcast by the media, had damaged the reputation of the National Police Service (NPS), despite repeated instructions for officers to uphold professional standards.
The warning followed the assault of Citizen TV journalist Francis Ode by police officers on Mashujaa Day as he covered a protest in Nairobi.
Kanja reiterated that officers must discharge their duties in accordance with the Constitution and the professional standards expected of the service, stressing that their conduct should inspire public confidence rather than attract public condemnation.
“As such, any officer who deviates from the professional requirements will only have themselves to blame once subjected to the appropriate administrative action. All commanders are informed to disseminate the information to all officers under their respective commands and acknowledge receipt and compliance,” the memo, seen by Vivid Voice News, reads in part.
The directive comes amid widespread condemnation of the incident by media practitioners, human rights organisations, the Media Council of Kenya, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and members of the public.
Police misconduct warning
In the memo, the Inspector-General cited Article 244 of Kenya’s Constitution, which requires the National Police Service to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and discipline and comply with constitutional standards on human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The directive was signed by Mathew Kutoh, Deputy Principal to the Inspector-General of Police, and circulated to police commanders for dissemination to officers under their respective commands.
IPOA and Internal Affairs Unit launch investigations
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has confirmed that it has launched an independent investigation into the incident.
Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyagah also confirmed that the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) had opened a separate investigation into the alleged assault.
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The investigations are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether the officers involved breached professional or legal standards.
Rights groups condemn attack
The Defenders Coalition has also condemned the incident, expressing concern over the use of force and intimidation against journalists carrying out their professional duties.
The organisation warned that such conduct threatens media freedom and undermines the public’s right to access information.
It said journalists covering demonstrations should not be treated as participants in protests simply because they are documenting events.
“Journalists must be allowed to carry out their work without fear of violence, detention or retaliation for reporting on matters of public interest,” the organisation said.
The investigations by IPOA and the police’s Internal Affairs Unit are ongoing. The police chief’s warning signals a renewed emphasis on accountability, although the outcome of the inquiries and any disciplinary action against officers involved had not been announced in the information available.
