In a developing case that raises questions about transparency and human rights, CCTV footage has surfaced showing the arrest of Francis Gaitho, a man whose family and legal representatives are now scrambling for information about his current location.
The footage, captured from a security camera, shows Gaitho being taken into custody by individuals believed to be law enforcement officers.
However, neither his family nor his lawyers have been informed of where he was taken, sparking growing concerns.
The Arrest: What the Footage Reveals
The CCTV footage, which surfaced earlier this week, shows Gaitho being accosted and led away by what appear to be plainclothes officers in an undisclosed location. According to the timestamp, the incident took place in broad daylight, yet no formal charges have been filed, and authorities have remained tight-lipped about the reasons for his arrest.
From the video, it appears that Gaitho did not resist arrest. The footage shows him complying with the officers, who then escorted him into an unmarked vehicle before driving away. The family’s attempts to track down the vehicle or gather information from local police stations have, so far, been unsuccessful.
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A Family in Agony
Francis Gaitho’s family is understandably distraught. Since his arrest, they have been making inquiries at various police stations and legal institutions but to no avail. His wife, Mary Gaitho, expressed her frustration during a press briefing.
“We have no idea where Francis has been taken. We’ve visited several police stations, and every time we ask, we’re told there’s no record of his arrest. How is that possible when we have the footage showing him being taken away?” she asked, holding back tears.
Family members are now living in fear, unsure of Gaitho’s condition or whether he is receiving legal and medical attention, as required by law. The uncertainty surrounding his whereabouts has only added to their anxiety.
Legal Concerns and Rights Violations
Gaitho’s legal team is equally alarmed. According to his lawyer, Peter Muriithi, the arrest and subsequent lack of communication from law enforcement agencies are in clear violation of both national and international laws governing arrests and detention.
“Under Kenyan law, a person must be informed of the reason for their arrest and must be presented before a court within 24 hours. So far, none of this has happened. The authorities have not disclosed where Mr. Gaitho is being held, which goes against the Constitution’s guarantee of habeas corpus,” Muriithi explained.
The lawyer added that his team is now considering legal avenues to compel the authorities to reveal Gaitho’s whereabouts and to provide reasons for his detention.
“This case mirrors others we’ve seen in recent years, where individuals have been detained without due process. We will not allow this to become another statistic,” Muriithi said.
A Growing Trend?
This incident has reignited debate about forced disappearances and unlawful detentions in Kenya, particularly when suspects are taken by plainclothes officers without proper documentation. Human rights organizations have long decried such actions, citing concerns over abuses of power and lack of accountability within security agencies.
Kenya has seen a worrying number of cases where individuals are arrested by police or other security forces, only for their whereabouts to remain unknown for extended periods. The term “enforced disappearances” is now becoming common in legal and human rights circles, with groups calling for greater scrutiny of law enforcement practices.
CCTV footages show the arrest of Francis Gaitho. Family and lawyers do not know where he was taken pic.twitter.com/N3Dt2KSILl
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) October 23, 2024
Calls for Accountability
In the wake of Gaitho’s disappearance, several human rights organizations have issued statements demanding immediate clarification from the authorities. Amnesty International Kenya has urged the government to ensure that Gaitho’s rights are respected and that he is either charged in court or released.
“The right to a fair trial and protection from arbitrary detention are basic human rights enshrined in Kenya’s Constitution and international treaties. We are calling on the authorities to produce Mr. Gaitho and allow him access to his family and legal counsel,” a spokesperson for Amnesty International stated.
What Happens Next?
For now, the Gaitho family and his legal team are left in limbo, unsure of what steps to take next as they await word from authorities. The release of the CCTV footage has only deepened the mystery of his arrest, raising questions about the transparency of the law enforcement agencies involved.
As pressure mounts, human rights organizations, legal experts, and the general public are watching closely to see how the government responds to this troubling case. For Gaitho’s family, the hope is simple: that their loved one is safe and will soon be allowed the basic legal rights to which every Kenyan is entitled.
This story is still developing, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.
