Social media influencer Francis Gaitho has broken his silence after being charged with publication of false information concerning arrests made by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on the Mukuru Kwa Njenga dumpsite mystery.
Gaitho in a statement on Thursday, July 18, 2024, explained his experience in the hands of DCI officers who were processing his case before his presentation at the Milimani Law Courts.
The former Thika Member of Parliament (MP) aspirant revealed that his case was handled with professionalism, further thanking the DCI for their conduct.
“At this moment I’d like to sincerely thank my lawyers John Khaminwa, Dudley Ochiel and Austine Katinya for their speedy response to the matter.
“I also thank the DCI for their professionalism and courtesy throughout the process. At no time was I harmed or victimized,” said Gaitho.
According to the blogger, he presented himself at the DCI Headquarters on Wednesday following reports that he was being sought after, due to a post made on his X platform related to the Kware massacre.
Also Read: Macharia Gaitho on Why He’s Thankful to DCI After ‘Mistaken Identity’ Arrest
Francis Gaitho Breaks Silence
Upon arriving, he narrated, he was referred to DCI Nairobi area together with his legal team where the team processing his statement were awaiting, led by DCI Head of Serious Crime Unit (SCU) Michael Sang.
“My lawyers led by Senior Counsel John Khaminwa, Dudley Ochiel and Austine Katinya were present during the entire interrogation, as I was informed that the complaint arose from sharing the identity of one person linked to the unfortunate happenings at Kware dumpsite,” he added.
Gaitho has retaliated that through his counsel, he has committed to comply with any civil relief measures that the complainant may pursue, including a retraction and an apology.
Further, the influencer thanked Kenyans of goodwill who stood in solidarity with all arrested protesters either through hashtags, monetary support, legal aid and even shielding those evading persecution.
Also Read: National Police Clarifies Arrest of Macharia Gaitho
Presented Before Court
According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) Gaitho was charged with False Publications and Cyber Harassment.
ODPP in a statement said that the court heard that on July 15, 2024, at approximately 14:00 hours, while at an unknown location the social media influencer intentionally published false information on social media with intent that the data would be considered or acted as authentic.
He is also alleged to have on the same day and at the same time, published false information about one Jairus Onkundi Morwabe, knowing or having reason to know that such publication would cause Morwabe apprehension or fear of violence, as well as damage or loss to his property,” the statement adds.
Francis Gaitho pleaded not guilty to the charges before Senior Principal Magistrate Robinson Ondieki and was released on a cash bail of Ksh30,000.
The case will be mentioned on August 1, 2024, for pre-trial.
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