Government critic Francis Gaitho has been added to the list of wanted persons according to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
In a statement on Thursday, January 2, 2025, DCI indicated that Gaitho was wanted for various criminal activities.
“Francis Ng’ang’a Gaitho, whose photograph is displayed below, is wanted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for various criminal activities,” the statement read in part.
DCI on Gaitho’s conduct
“The suspect had been charged with the offence of publishing false information in violation of Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cyber Crimes Act (Case No. CR E738/24). He absconded a court session on December 4, 2024, which resulted in the issuance of a Warrant of Arrest by the Milimani Law Courts.”
DCI has also revealed that Gaitho is wanted in connection with the publishing of disparaging remarks about a senior government official and also the publishing of false information against other citizens.
“He is also under investigation for sharing personal information of a senior Public Officer and Publishing False Information Contrary to Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cyber Crimes Act against other Kenyan citizens,” DCI added.
“Additionally, the suspect will face multiple counts of cyber harassment for a post in which he disparaged senior government officials. The above files are pending perusal and advice by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.”
The investigative agency appealed to Kenyans with information on Gaitho’s whereabouts and asked them to contact them to arrest him.
“If you have any information that may lead to the prompt arrest of the suspect, please call our toll-free hotline at 0800 722 203 anonymously or report to the nearest police station,” the statement read.
Government critics
This development comes in the wake of a surge in abductions of individuals perceived to be government critics and their disappearances, with law enforcement agencies denying any involvement in the vice.
On December 27, DCI responded to claims by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah that a DCI vehicle was seen surveilling his office at the time when Gideon Kibet Bull was abducted after a meeting with the senator.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) takes note of the statement made by Senator Okiya Omtatah Okoiti regarding the reported sighting of a white Subaru vehicle linked to the alleged abduction of Gideon Kibet. We wish to emphasise that these allegations are being taken with utmost seriousness,” DCI stated.
“Firstly, we wish to clarify that the DCI categorically denies any accusation with the vehicle in question. The suggestion that a vehicle belonging to the DCI was involved in any alleged abduction is not only unfounded but also sensationalises a sensitive issue that is currently under thorough investigation,” they added.
Gaitho’s response
Following his profiling as a person of interest by the DCI, Gaitho, in a statement noted that he would be presenting himself to the police on Monday, January 7, 2025, and urged for media coverage.
“I will be presenting myself at DCI headquarters on Monday 7th January at 10: 00 am accompanied by my lawyers. I’m not a criminal. I’m not a murderer. I’m not a capital offender. I just tweet. Freedom of speech is a constitutional entitlement and I exercise it to the best of my ability,” Gaitho remarked.
Adding: “Other criminals are walking free out here but mine is political persecution because many of these cases have civil remedies.”
