Police release Journalist Macharia Gaitho after “regrettable” mistaken arrest

Veteran Journalist Macharia Gaitho was arrested Wednesday morning and released shortly after.

Authorities indicated his prompt release happened since he was not the person the police were looking for.

“The National Police Service would like to clarify to the public that this morning, we arrested journalist Macharia Gaitho in a case of mistaken identity, meant for the arrest of Francis Gaitho who is our subject of investigation,” NPS said in a statement

The police headquarters reiterated that as a service, “we do not target journalists in any way,”

NPS has termed today’s incident as “highly regrettable,” after questions were raised as to why Gaitho was picked up while inside a police station where he had driven.

Reports of the arrest of Gaitho spread quickly when a video clip showing him being bundled into a car at Karen Police Station was shared on social media. He was with his son at the time of his arrest.

The former National Media Group Managing Editor was brought back to the same station where he was arrested and was expected to record a statement over the incident.

“The National Police Service remains committed to working with the media while discharging our mandate of promoting accountability and transparency,” said the police in the statement