Human Rights lobby Defender’s Coalition has dismissed police claim of mistaken identity on the arrest of journalist Macharia Gaitho, insisting it is a continuation of the alleged police abuse of power.
The lobby has said the claim by the police was an admission of the alleged illegal abductions.
The lobby’s Executive Director Kamau Ngigi said the apology by DCI boss Mohamed Amin was enough basis for his resignation.
“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 at Karen Police Station after he drove to the station.
He had been trailed by a Subaru driving armed men from his home in Karen.
"We are sorry to Gaitho. It was a case of mistaken identity," DCI Amin said.
Amin said they were looking for a social media user Francis Gaitho.
But the journalist rejected the explanation, insisting that it was him the police were looking for.
“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 does not drive the car that resembles mine,” Gaitho said.
Ngugi said abduction streak was further damaging the credibility of police.
