Human Rights Body Rejects Mistaken Identity Claims After Police Abducted Veteran Journalist
Defender’s Coalition, a human rights lobby, has dismissed the police’s claim of mistaken identity in the arrest of journalist Macharia Gaitho, insisting that it is a continuation of alleged police abuse of power.
According to the lobby, the police’s claim is an admission of the alleged illegal abduction.
The lobby’s Executive Director, Kamau Ngigi, said DCI boss Mohamed Amin’s apology was sufficient grounds for his resignation.
PRESS STATEMENT:
— @Defenders Coalition 🇰🇪 (@DefendersKE) July 17, 2024
We strongly advocate for the competitive recruitment of the next Inspector General (IG) and the establishment of a culture of command responsibility. It is important that leadership within law enforcement embodies accountability, transparency, and… pic.twitter.com/wQ3MkvoWfl
“Basically, by saying sorry and that it was a case of mistaken identity, DCI boss Amin has confirmed that officers have been engaging in the alleged kidnapping and enforced disappearances,” Ngugi said.
Gaitho was violently abducted on Wednesday morning after driving to Karen Police Station.
He was pursued by armed men driving a Subaru from his Karen home.
“We are sorry to Gaitho. It was a case of mistaken identity,” DCI Amin said.
Amin stated that they were looking for social media user Francis Gaitho.
.@DefendersKE condemns the abduction of veteran journalist @MachariaGaitho at Karen Police Station. Allegedly, Macharia was being trailed by a Subaru KCB 847F necessitating a stop at Karen Police Station to report the incident. Instead of receiving support from the Police, Gaitho… pic.twitter.com/Xbto4qOiY1
— @Defenders Coalition 🇰🇪 (@DefendersKE) July 17, 2024
However, the journalist rejected the explanation, insisting that the police were looking for him.
“It is me they were looking for. The Gaitho they are claiming to be after does not live where I live, I’m twice his age and do not drive the car that resembles mine,” Gaitho said.
Ngugi claimed that the police’s abduction streak was causing further damage to their credibility.
Human Rights Body Rejects Mistaken Identity Claims After Police Abducted Veteran Journalist
