Francis Gaitho To Present Himself At DCI HQ, Asks Media To Be There To Cover Him

In an instant response, controversial blogger Francis Ng’ang’a Gaitho has announced that he will present himself at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters along Kiambu Road, moments after DCI appealed to Kenyans to provide information that will help in his arrest.

Taking to X on Thursday, January 2, Gaitho announced that he will appear at DCI HQs on January 7, 2025 at 10 am, flanked by his legal team.

"Thank you to all for the calls and messages of goodwill. To members of the mainstream media who write DCI press releases, copy-paste them without verifying details, kindly include that I will be presenting myself at DCI headquarters on Monday (actually Tuesday) 7th January at 10 am accompanied by my lawyers," he wrote in part.

Gaitho strongly refuted any implication that he was involved in criminal activity as claimed by the DCI, accusing the investigative agency of using its latest notice to spread fear and separate him from his allies.

He also accused the DCI of using its platform to intimidate him, arguing that many of the allegations against him could be addressed through civil remedies rather than criminal prosecution.  

"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. 

"Other criminals are walking free out here but mine is political persecution because many of these cases have civil remedies. This latest tweet by DCI is crafted to evoke fear and isolate me from friends and family as they know my lawyers and could have served them directly," he added.

Gaitho pleaded with members of the Fourth Estate to be present when he appears before the DCI, explaining that their coverage would contribute greatly to accountability.

"We hope you will be there to cover us. In light of all the abductions and enforced disappearances, media coverage will greatly assist in enforcing accountability from law enforcement agencies," he continued.

Earlier, DCI deemed Gaitho a wanted man and revealed that he was being sought after for various criminal activities. He 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).

Furthermore, he was revealed to have absconded a court session on December 4, 2024, which resulted in the issuance of a Warrant of Arrest by the Milimani Law Courts.

Gaitho was also revealed to be under investigation for sharing the 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.

Additionally, DCI revealed that he will face multiple counts of cyber harassment for a post in which the agency stated he disparaged senior government officials.