NAIROBI, Kenya, Journalist and civic educator Ademba Allans says he has recovered his iPhone, camera, and other equipment detectives seized while he covered the Ol Kalou by-election in July.
In a statement, Ademba said months had passed without the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) or the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) bringing charges against him.
He also said he fears his devices may have been monitored and remains locked out of his former X account, @Ademba_47.
Ademba thanked Defenders Coalition, Siasa Place and Magotsi Law for supporting him.
Arrest during election coverage
Allans was arrested on July 16 at the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, where he was documenting events at the AC Comprehensive School polling station.
He was released on cash bail the following day, while his phone and camera remained in police custody, according to reports at the time.
The reported reason for his arrest was that he had filmed the electoral process without journalist accreditation.
His lawyer said he was documenting youth participation in the election through the Tuko Kadi civic initiative and was not interfering with voting.
The July arrest came amid wider reports of journalists being assaulted or having equipment confiscated while covering the Ol Kalou poll.
Media and rights organisations condemned the incidents and called for investigations and the return of seized equipment.
Raises concern about device privacy
In his latest statement, Allans said he feared possible surveillance on the recovered devices.
His post did not provide evidence that they had been monitored.
He also said he had not regained access to his old X account.
The return of the equipment ends months in which Ademba said he was without his phone and camera.
His statement did not specify when the items were returned or outline any further action he plans to take over the seizure or his account access.
Ademba is known for civic and voter-engagement work, including mobilising young people through the Tuko Kadi initiative.
His arrest during the by-election drew public attention to the treatment of election observers and journalists documenting voting.
The DCI and ODPP had not publicly commented on his latest statement at the time of publication.
