Veteran journalist Macharia Gaitho has expressed concern for the safety of social media influencer Francis Gaitho following the latter’s violent arrest due to mistaken identity by Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers.
In a statement, Macharia Gaitho clarified that he has never met the influencer and has no personal acquaintance with him. He emphasized that their connection is solely through sharing the same name. Macharia Gaitho extended an invitation to Francis Gaitho for a drink, highlighting the unusual coincidence that led to the mistaken arrest.
“Ngarana @FGaitho237 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_Kenya, maybe a common destiny. I pray you are safe. Lets share a drink soon,” the veteran journalist said.
Macharia Gaitho was forcefully apprehended by unidentified individuals at Karen Police Station. Accompanied by his son, he was taken to the station after the group attempted to forcibly take him from outside his residence. They arrived in a convoy of two vehicles. Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin later clarified that the arrest was due to mistaken identity.
“We are sorry to Gaitho. It was a case of mistaken identity,” Amin said.
Amin said they were looking for a social media influencer Francis Gaitho.
After the incident, Francis Gaitho said he would present himself to the DCI Headquarters at 2pm, on Wednesday.
“I will be presenting myself at DCI Headquarters, Mazingira House Kiambu Road at 2pm today. Thank you all for your concern,” he said.
Replying to a statement by the National Police Service, he said he was in touch with his legal counsel on how to proceed.
