Julius Kiprop
- Blogger Francis Gaitho reportedly went missing after being taken from his Nairobi home on the night of October 22.
- CCTV footage shared by Cyprian Nyakundi shows Gaitho being escorted out of his residence in handcuffs by men and placed in a black SUV.
- Shortly before his disappearance, Gaitho alerted his followers on social media, stating police were surrounding his house.
- The reasons for his arrest and current whereabouts remain unknown, leading to public outcry and the trending hashtag #FreeGaitho.
- Gaitho has had previous encounters with the authorities, including a July arrest for allegedly spreading false information about the Kware killings.
Controversial blogger Francis Gaitho has gone missing under mysterious circumstances following what some are calling an abduction from his home in Nairobi on the night of October 22. The incident, which was captured on CCTV footage and shared online, has sparked public outcry, with many calling for his immediate release.
CCTV footage posted by fellow blogger Cyprian Nyakundi shows men entering Gaitho’s residence in Nairobi’s Westlands area around 8:25 pm. Moments later, the men are seen escorting Gaitho, handcuffed and wearing a black t-shirt, out of the house and placing him in the boot of a black SUV before driving off.
Before his arrest, Gaitho had taken to social media to alert his followers. In two tweets, he mentioned, “Police outside the residence I’ve been staying at,” followed by “10 police surrounding my house in Westlands. Alert everyone!” The posts raised alarm among his followers, who quickly began sharing them widely.
The reasons for Gaitho’s arrest remain unclear, and his current whereabouts are unknown. The incident has led to an online campaign, with the hashtag #FreeGaitho trending on X (formerly Twitter). Prominent figures like Nelson Amenya, Eric Amerix, and Dennis Ombachi have joined the chorus of voices demanding his release and transparency from authorities regarding his arrest.
Gaitho’s latest encounter with the authorities is not his first. In July, he was arrested and charged with spreading false information about the Kware killings. He had alleged that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had arrested the wrong individual in the case.
As public concern grows over the whereabouts of Francis Gaitho, the situation highlights issues surrounding freedom of expression and the protection of journalists and bloggers. The demand for clarity on his arrest and his safe return has only intensified, as many await further developments in the case.
