Mistaken identity leads to veteran journalist’s violent abduction
Veteran Kenyan journalist Macharia Gaitho has been released from police custody hours after being violently abducted.
A short video circulating online shows three uniformed police officers and others in civilian clothing roughing him up and pushing him inside a car.
The footage, shared online, captured the dramatic arrest, showing the seasoned journalist being roughed up before being taken to Karen police station.
The National Police Service (NPS) said the arrest of the journalist and newspaper columnist on Wednesday morning was a case of mistaken identity.
“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,” read a post on NPS X account.
The police expressed regret over the incident, stating they do not target journalists. “Today’s incident is highly regrettable,” the post read.
They acknowledged the crucial role of the media in promoting accountability and transparency, highlighting the importance of their partnership.
“The National Police Service remains committed to working with the media while discharging our mandate of promoting accountability and transparency.”
The arrest occurred under dramatic circumstances. Gaitho was reportedly with his son when their vehicle was intercepted by a Subaru as they were leaving their home. In an attempt to evade the situation, Gaitho drove to the Karen Police Station, where he was forcefully bundled into a car.
A video circulating on social media shows the journalist being manhandled into a white Probox by individuals in civilian clothes, while police officers looked on.
The footage has raised concerns about the treatment of journalists and the conduct of law enforcement officials.
The journalist’s daughter, Anita Gaitho, took to social media to confirm her father’s safety and recount the morning’s events.
“I’m with my dad @MachariaGaitho. He’s just been brought to Karen Police Station by the car that abducted him,” she posted on X.
Anita also mentioned that her father had been roughed up during the incident but was otherwise safe. “We’re making the abduction report right now,” she added.
The police have recently made errors resulting in cases of mistaken identity, prompting criticism from Kenyans regarding their diligence in conducting due process before taking action.
In July 2024, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) issued an apology to another Kenyan, Dennis Basweti, who had been mistakenly listed as a wanted person in connection with violent protests on June 25, 2024.
