NAIROBI, Kenya – Veteran journalist Macharia Gaitho was forcefully arrested in what the National Police Service (NPS) has described as a “highly regrettable” case of mistaken identity.
The NPS clarified in a statement that the arrest, which occurred on Wednesday morning, was intended for a social media influencer with a similar name, Francis Gaitho.
The incident unfolded as Macharia Gaitho and his son were intercepted by a Subaru while leaving their home.
Sensing trouble, Gaitho drove to Karen Police Station where he was aggressively bundled into a white Probox by individuals in civilian clothes, as police officers stood by.
The disturbing scene was captured on video by his son, showcasing the forceful manner of the arrest.
The NPS quickly issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter), expressing deep regret for the incident and emphasizing that journalists are not targeted by the police.
“We reiterate that as a Service, we do not target journalists in any way, and today’s incident is highly regrettable,” read the statement.
The police service acknowledged the error and explained that the arrest was meant for Francis Gaitho, who is under investigation.
“We apologize for the distress caused to Macharia Gaitho and his family. The arrest was a case of mistaken identity, and we are taking steps to ensure such incidents do not happen again,” the statement continued.
The NPS reaffirmed its commitment to working with the media in promoting accountability and transparency.
Following the arrest, Gaitho’s daughter confirmed that her father had been returned to Karen Police Station in the same vehicle he was initially taken in.
The forceful arrest of such a respected journalist has sparked widespread outrage and concern about the treatment of media professionals by law enforcement officers.
