Journalist Macharia Gaitho Released, Police Claim Arrest Was a Case of Mistaken Identity

Veteran Kenyan journalist Macharia Gaitho was violently abducted and subsequently released from police custody, sparking outrage and concern among the public. The National Police Service (NPS) has since clarified that the arrest of the esteemed journalist and newspaper columnist on Wednesday morning was a case of mistaken identity.

Journalist Macharia Gaitho Released, Police Claim Arrest Was a Case of Mistaken Identity

Gaitho was apprehended at the Karen Police Station in Nairobi and forced into a car by men who claimed to be officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) but refused to provide identification. The incident was detailed by the journalist’s daughter, Anita Gaitho.

“This is the car that abducted him. Look at that foolish driver wanting to knock us down when leaving. These fu***** criminals. They claim to be DCI, they had guns and handcuffs and refused to identify themselves,” Ms. Gaitho expressed in a post on X, previously known as Twitter.

Accompanying her post were videos of a white Toyota Probox speeding away from the police station and a Subaru Forester, which she claimed was used by the police to block their vehicle.

The National Police Service responded to the incident with a post on X, explaining the unfortunate mix-up: “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. We reiterate that as a Service, we do not target journalists in any way, and today's incident is highly regrettable.”

This alarming episode has raised serious questions about police conduct and the safety of journalists in Kenya. Gaitho’s abduction and the subsequent revelation of mistaken identity underscore the need for transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies.

As the news of his release spreads, many are calling for an in-depth investigation into the circumstances surrounding his abduction. The incident highlights the critical role of media in holding power to account and the ongoing challenges faced by journalists in their pursuit of truth and justice.