Written By Lisa Murimi
The National Police Service (NPS) issued a statement on Wednesday to clarify the arrest of former Nation Media editor Macharia Gaitho, who was allegedly abducted earlier that morning.
The police expressed remorse, attributing the incident to a case of mistaken identity.
According to the police, the intended target was Francis Gaitho, who is under investigation.
“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,” the statement read. “Meant for the arrest of Francis Gaitho who is our subject of investigation.”
The police regretted the incident and emphasized that they were not targeting any journalists.
“The National Police Service remains committed to working with the media while discharging our mandate of promoting accountability and transparency,” the statement reiterated.
Macharia Gaitho was arrested after driving to Karen Police Station. He was with his son when he noticed a car trailing them.
A video obtained by Kenyans.co.ke shows men in civilian clothes forcefully pulling the journalist from his car and driving him away.
Macharia’s daughter, Anita Gaitho, confirmed the arrest, revealing that the police had returned her father to Karen Police Station. The family recorded an abduction report at the station.
“I’m with my dad, Macharia Gaitho. He’s just been brought to Karen police station by the car that abducted him. He’s safe although they roughed him up a bit. We’re making the abduction report right now,” Anita disclosed.
