Macharia Gaitho Narrates Ordeal After Abduction, Vows Legal Action
Veteran journalist and Nation Editor Machariah Gaitho recounted on Wednesday how he was mistreated by police officers who kidnapped him as he sought refuge at Karen Police Station.
Addressing reporters at the station, Gaitho revealed he was followed from his home, and upon reaching the station, was forcibly placed into a Toyota Probox and taken away before being released.
In response to this incident, media representatives have enlisted lawyer Danstan Omari to initiate legal proceedings against the police, aiming for the suspension of the involved officers.
Here is Gaitho’s narration:
“We arrived at Karen Police Station seeking help. Despite reaching the station, two cars followed us inside, forcing me into their vehicle, a white Probox.
“I was sandwiched between two men in civilian clothes, handcuffed, and assaulted. They demanded to know why I was resisting arrest, and I explained I wasn’t resisting arrest but resisting criminals. They hadn’t identified themselves, so to me, they were criminals.
“They drove me down Lang’ata Road to the Lang’ata South Road turnoff, where they stopped and made calls, seemingly to their superior. I overheard mentions of the DCI headquarters. After lengthy conversations, they decided to turn back.
“I remained handcuffed in the car as we stopped near the Shell Petrol Station. They asked for my ID, and upon verifying it, they realized I was Francis Macharia Gaitho.
“One guy exited, made some phone calls, and upon returning, asked for my phone number, which I refused to give. I had left my phone with my son.
“After another lengthy call, they uncuffed me, claiming it was a case of mistaken identity, and set me free. They didn’t explain how they had trailed me or mistaken my identity. To me, they were still criminals.
“They returned me to Karen Police Station, where they had initially abducted me, and left. They told me I could go home, but I insisted on reporting an attempted abduction, a criminal offense. I’ve recorded the incident in the occurrence book.
“Now, I’m waiting to write a statement. They suggested I go to DCI Headquarters to report, but I refused since the incident occurred at Karen Police Station.
“I received a call from the OCPD Lang’ata, who asked me to meet her, but I insisted she come here. She said someone from Lang’ata would come to take my statement, which I am awaiting.”
Legal Action
Gaitho informed the media that he believed his kidnapping wasn’t a case of mistaken identity but rather linked to his recent critical articles published in the Daily Nation.
He announced his intention to hold the police officers accountable, ensuring they face responsibility.
“It’s evident that the police are operating outside the law to intimidate, arrest, and harass innocent people.
“We will demand accountability from those responsible for security in Kenya,” he stated.
Lawyer Danstan Omari, present at the press briefing, confirmed he would pursue legal action for the interdiction of the involved officers.
“I have full instructions from media stakeholders to pursue this matter legally. The Director of Public Prosecutions’ circular holds IPOA responsible for investigating police abuse.
“We will record a complaint at IPOA and then file a suit to compel IPOA and the National Police Service Commission to interdict the officers involved.”
Shortly after his release, the National Police Service confirmed that his arrest was a case of mistaken identity.
Macharia Gaitho Narrates Ordeal After Abduction, Vows Legal Action
