Blogger Francis Ng’ang’a Gaitho, who recently went missing and was later found in a Kamukunji Police Station cell, shared his experience on X (formerly Twitter) on November 2.
In his post, Gaitho spoke about his time in detention and described a curious incident with a fellow inmate who seemed to discourage others from any hopes of change.
Gaitho explained that many of those in the cell had been arrested for minor offences and were frustrated, blaming a “rigged” system.
But there was one man who kept trying to convince them that change wasn’t possible, speaking loudly and persistently, even when others had stopped listening.
X influential figure Francis Ng’ang’a Gaitho poses for a photo. Source: Citizen TV Kenya (X)
“So at some point I had to intervene by asking him what’s his interest to downplay or shout down people’s hope. Because hope is free,” Gaitho wrote.
The exchange grew heated, with Gaitho challenging the man’s negativity.
Oddly, the man was released before the others, even before the morning roll-call, which made Gaitho suspect that he might have been planted in the cell to suppress any talk of rebellion.
Gaitho urged people to be wary of “toxic” individuals who might discourage change within their social circles.
Francis Gaitho speaks during a past TikTok podcast. Photo: Francis Gaitho Source: TikTok
Gaitho added that since his arrests, some people he thought were friends became fearful and even warned others to stay away from him, as if he were dangerous. He believes this is part of a tactic designed to isolate those who stand up to the system.
The post has started conversations online, with many concerned about tactics used to silence dissent and the need to spot and distance oneself from people who may try to suppress hope or calls for change.
