Veteran Nation Media Group (NMG) journalist Macharia Gaitho was arrested on Wednesday morning, July 17, 2024, in a case of mistaken identity.
Gaitho drove himself to the Karen Police Station after noticing a suspicious vehicle trailing him. Upon arrival, he was abducted and forced into a private car by uniformed police officers and others in civilian clothing before being driven away. He was later returned to the station by the same car.
DCI have abducted Veteran Journalist Macharia Gaitho thinking it's Francis Gaitho.
— Alinur Mohamed (@AlinurMohamed_) July 17, 2024
What's nonsense is this? #RutoMustGo pic.twitter.com/wvOuvZ2shb
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The Kenya National Police Service (NPS) has since clarified that Macharia Gaitho's arrest was a case of mistaken identity, stating that the officers had intended to apprehend political commentator and social activist Francis Gaitho.
"The National Police Service would like to clarify to the public that this morning, we arrested journalist Macharia Gaitho in a case of mistaken identity, meant for the arrest of Francis Gaitho who is our subject of investigation," NPS said in a statement.
Macharia Gaitho: I don’t believe I was mistaken for Francis Gaitho, as I am twice his age. Also, he doesn’t live where I live and doesn’t drive a car like mine. It is me they were trailing and looking for pic.twitter.com/GvbqZiUXrC
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) July 17, 2024
The NPS apologized for the incident, reiterating that the service does not target journalists in any way. They expressed deep regret over today's incident.
"The National Police Service remains committed to working with the media while discharging our mandate of promoting accountability and transparency," NPS stated.
