Journalist Mcharia Githo was abducted at the Karen police station while trying to seek refuge from unknown assailants. A video showed Githo being forced into a Probox with the assistance of the police he sought refuge from.
Shortly after being abducted, he was released without explanation. Githo revealed in a press conference that he was mistaken for Frances Gaitho by unidentified assailants who abducted him. The abductors, believed to be undercover police officers, were looking for Frances Gaitho due to her involvement in the ongoing demonstrations on X.
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.
— National Police Service-Kenya (@NPSOfficial_KE) July 17, 2024
Macharia Githo, a prominent journalist, has been vocal about the government’s actions during the protests and is recognized for his critical stance on governmental issues.
The journalism association has spoken out against the recent abduction and violence targeting journalists. During Tuesday’s demonstrations, a K24 journalist was shot while covering the protests, an incident condemned by the journalistic society.
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Nakuru Journalist on Wednesday morning took to the streets protesting the targeting of journalists. Calling on the bringing to books of those rogue police officers targeting them.
At a press conference, the media fraternity led by Zubeida Kananu, the editor’s guild president, issued a 7-day notice to the government for protests of journalists coming Wednesday. The demonstrations are set to see journalists peacefully fight for freedom of media.
The government has been pressuring the media regarding their content, threatening to shut down media stations. The president of the editors’ guild called for an end to these threats.