Veteran journalist Macharia Gaitho has broken his silence after being released a few hours following an abduction by unknown individuals believed to be sleuths from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
In his address to the media, the former journalist stated that he does not believe his arrest was a case of mistaken identity. He pointed out that he is older than Francis Gaitho and that the individual the police were allegedly pursuing does not reside in the same place or drive a similar car to his own.
“I don’t believe I was mistaken for Francis Gaitho, as I am twice his age, and he does not live where I live nor drive a car like mine. It was me they were trailing,” said Macharia.
The columnist was roughed up this morning near Karen Police Station by individuals believed to be police officers, who blocked him, bundled him into another vehicle, and took him to the nearest Karen Police Station.
A few minutes later, the National Police Service stated that this was a case of mistaken identity, clarifying that they were actually looking for digital activist Francis, who is a subject of their investigations.
In their statement, the national police asserted that they do not target journalists. However, Macharia Gaitho refuted this statement, citing recent attacks on journalists such as the shooting of a journalist in Nakuru, and the harassment of others in Nairobi and across Kenya, as evidence of abuse of authority.
The journalists have now turned to the courts seeking refuge and demanding accountability from security organs for what they term constant harassment and failure to uphold human rights as enshrined in the constitution.