Veteran journalist Macharia Gaitho was reportedly abducted by police officers at the Karen Police Station on Wednesday morning.
The alarming event was captured on video by his son, Andrew Gaitho, which shows uniformed police officers, along with individuals in civilian clothing, forcibly bundling the respected columnist into a private car. The incident took place in broad daylight, with other officers present at the police station witnessing the abduction.
According to Andrew, the ordeal began when his father noticed a suspicious vehicle tailing him through traffic. Concerned for his safety, Macharia Gaitho decided to seek refuge at the Karen Police Station. However, upon arrival, he was met with an unexpected and aggressive response from the officers present.
Witnesses reported seeing the veteran journalist being compelled into the vehicle against his will, raising alarm about the motivations behind this action and the legality of such police behavior.
Macharia Gaitho, known for his insightful contributions to the media as a columnist for The Nation, has been a prominent figure in Kenyan journalism, advocating for accountability and transparency. His abduction has sparked outrage among media professionals and human rights activists, who are calling for an immediate investigation into the actions of the police and the circumstances leading up to this incident.
As news of Gaitho’s abduction spreads, concerns grow regarding the safety of journalists in Kenya, particularly those who challenge powerful interests through their reporting. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by media practitioners in the country and underscores the need for robust protections for press freedom.
The Kenyan government and police have yet to issue an official statement regarding the abduction, leaving many unanswered questions about Gaitho’s whereabouts and the intentions of the officers involved. As the situation develops, the call for justice and accountability continues to resonate within the media community and beyond.
