#FreeOdongo: Kenyans react to arrest of The Standard journalist over an article on city billionaire

Photo: Courtesy

Following the arrest of The Standard journalist David Odongo after writing a story about a city billionaire, Kenyans took to Twitter to rally for his release.

Many felt that  this was misuse of power as they expressed their anger over what they termed as”disproportionate measure” against the journalist.

Several bodies released their press statements condemning the action. Kenya Union of Journalist Sec General Erick Oduor said the police have resorted to obsolete section of194 of penal code to lock up journalist.  ” The police have once again demonstrated that they are not independent” He said

The Media Council of Kenya condemed the arrest  terming his detention "barbaric", and decried "dangerous trend" of "harassment and intimidation of journalists in Kenya".

Here are some of the reactions by Twitter users:

#FreeOdongo Policing opinion in this manner is tyranny and abuse of authority. It is wrong. — Oyunga Pala (@realoyungapala)

#FreeOdongo Policing opinion in this manner is tyranny and abuse of authority. It is wrong. — Oyunga Pala (@realoyungapala)

No amount of harassment& abuse of power will stop Kenyans from expressing themselves . #FreeOdongo — Sen Mutula KilonzoJR (@junior_mutula) April 16, 2016

If only "Orders from above" could tell themselves to reduce unemployment, waste and corruption, and impunity...#FreeOdongo — M. (@Owaahh) April 16, 2016

How is this article defamatory and criminal someone explain to me like I'm Huddah. Crazy #FreeOdongo — Kenya West© (@KinyanBoy)

We condemn intimidation. Media freedom is the mainstay of a healthy democracy. #FreeOdongo — Nairobian Today (@NairobianToday)