Veteran journalist Macharia Gaitho who was involved in a dramatic arrest by police officers has reached out to blogger Francis Gaitho while expressing his hope for the safety of the social media influencer.
This is after the journalist was violently arrested by Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers in what the Directorate termed as a ‘case of mistaken identity’, claiming they were looking for Francis Gaitho.
In a statement on Thursday, July 18 Macharia Gaitho revealed that he has never met the influencer and does not know him, adding that he was however thankful that the DCI may have been involved in the fulfillment of a common destiny.
Gaitho pointed out that the only thing he shares with the blogger is a name and further invited him for a drink.
“Namesake Francis Gaitho, I don’t know you. We’ve never met. We don’t share house, car or phone. We happen to share a name, and now, thanks to DCI maybe a common destiny. I pray you are safe. Let’s share a drink soon,” the veteran journalist said.
Also Read: Macharia Gaitho Reveals Last Moments Before His Dramatic Arrest
Macharia Gaitho involved in ‘mistaken identity’ case
The veteran journalist was violently arrested in dramatic fashion by people he said refused to identify themselves at Karen Police Station on Wednesday, July 17.
He was in the company of his son who drove him to the police station after the individuals tried to abduct him outside the gate of his home.
The men who were in a convoy of two cars also drove inside before they got hold of him and forced him inside one of the cars.
Gaitho added that he was driven down along Lang’ata Road before the officers stopped after some minutes, made a few calls and after some long conversations, turned back and went back to the police station where he was released.
He said that one of the officers was instructed to uncuff his hands, before informing him that it was a case of mistaken identity while being freed.
Also Read: Veteran Journalist Macharia Gaitho Abducted by Police
Gaitho Presents Himself to Police
On the other hand, Blogger Francis Gaitho presented himself to the DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road after National Police Service (NPS) said they were looking for him.
Gaitho has been vocal on his social media platforms during the ongoing demonstrations that have called for the resignation of President William Ruto.
The blogger, a former Thika Town Member of Parliament (MP) aspirant, turned his focus towards digital activism where he calls out the government on accountability issues.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) led by its President Zubeidah Kananu condemned the incident involving Macharia Gaitho while announcing plans for a nationwide journalists protest.
The media community rejected police claims that the incident was a case of mistaken identity, insisting that it was a deliberate act of intimidation.
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