Kenya’s veteran journalist Macharia Gaitho has Wednesday morning been freed after a violent arrest by armed policemen.
Mr Gaitho was seized whereas leaving his residence in Karen and bundled right into a ready Probox.
The Nation columnist was together with his son on the time of the incident.
A brief video exhibits three uniformed cops and others in civilian garments roughing and pushing him contained in the automotive. He was pushed to Karen Police Station.
“Sure, it’s true my father has been taken away. He was with my brother,” his daughter Waithera Gaitho informed Nation.Africa.
Waithera, Macharia Gaitho’s daughter, stated: “He was headed to city, my brother was driving, they waylaid him simply earlier than the Karen Police Station and bundled him into their car.”
She added: “They steered the automotive to Karen Police Station, modified autos and drove off. All this time they have been speaking on their walkie-talkies. They then turned again and returned him to Karen Police Station and stated it was a case of mistaken identification. He has recorded an announcement on the Karen Police Station on his abduction.”
Later, the editor was launched with DCI boss Mohamed Amin terming it a “mistaken identification” case.
“The Nationwide Police Service want to make clear to the general public that this morning, we arrested journalist Macharia Gaitho in a case of mistaken identification, meant for the arrest of Francis Gaitho who’s our topic of investigation,” he stated.
“We reiterate that as a Service, we don’t goal journalists in any manner, and at this time’s incident is extremely regrettable. The Nationwide Police Service stays dedicated to working with the media whereas discharging our mandate of selling accountability and transparency.”
In a televised tackle later, Mr Gaitho disputed the police account of a mistaken identification with Francis Gaitho, saying their ages, areas of residence and the vehicles they drive don’t match.
Francis Gaitho is a well-liked determine on X (previously Twitter) platform. He stated he was together with his legal professionals to resolve on the way in which ahead after the event.
Francis Gaitho is a well-liked determine on X (previously Twitter) platform. He stated he was together with his legal professionals to resolve on the way in which ahead after the event.
Thanks for all of the messages of concern. I’m actually humbled.
As a regulation abiding citizen, I’m at present in-touch with my authorized counsel on methods to proceed.
Heat regards. pic.twitter.com/EvIgnGZZS4
— Francis Gaitho (@FGaitho237) July 17, 2024
