The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has clarified the alleged abduction of former Nandi Hills Member of Parliament Alfred Keter.
DCI noted that the former MP was arrested on Sunday, June 30 by National Police Service Officers contrary to earlier reports that he had been abducted.
Furthermore, DCI stated that Keter was arrested for conspiracy to traffic firearms and incitement to violence and has since been released.
“Contrary to the misinformation circulating on social media on alleged abduction of Hon Alfred Keter by unknown men, this is to confirm that Hon Keter was arrested earlier today by NPS Officers for Conspiracy to Traffic Firearms and Incitement to Violence,” read part of the statement.
“He was booked at Kamukunji Police Station and later released pending Forensic Analysis of exhibits. Thereafter the file will be forwarded to the ODPP for direction.”
DCI Explains Why Keter was Arrested
The authority further urged members of the public to refrain from acts of violence, hate speech and malice for sustained peace and security in our beloved country.
Embakasi MP Babu Owino also confirmed Keter’s release stating, ” I went to be in solidarity with Hon.Alfred Keter who was abducted today in front of his wife and children. This regime continues to exceed our lowest expectations. Alfred Keter has been released but this battle is long from over. Present were Mike Sonko and LSK President Faith Odhiambo.”
After Keter was arrested, a video has since been making rounds depicting three masked men pulling a man believed to have been Keter out of his vehicle and taking him into a waiting double cabin with registration number KBE 256H.
Also Read: Former Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter Allegedly Abducted
Further reports indicate that the men allegedly abducted Keter as he was leaving from a church mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church at Kileleshwa area.
His family was with him at the time of the incident and could be heard screaming for help.
In a post via his Facebook account, Keter noted that he has been abducted and is currently headed to an unknown destination.
“Abducted, headed to unknown destination,” said the MP.
Leaders Condemn the Arrest of Alfred Keter
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Singoei condemned the incident stating that the law enforcers should use the procedures stipulated when arresting individuals.
“There is a procedure for effecting an arrest. This is not one of them. We must resist the temptation to adopt extra-legal means even in the pursuit of legitimate objectives,” he wrote on X.
Also Read: Questions as American Tourist is Detained by Police in Nairobi
Lawyer Ahmedinasir Abdulahi said the street arrest was unacceptable. “This is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. This isn’t one of the lawful processes/procedures that allows law enforcement agencies to arrest a suspect,” he said.
KANU chairman Gideon Moi stated that individuals must be informed of the reasons for their arrest, accorded access to legal representation, and produced before a court of competent jurisdictions within twenty-four hours to stand trial.
“Today, the nation has witnessed the abduction of former Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter in Nairobi, another incident in a series of proliferating gangland-type kidnappings,” he stated.
“This alarming trend, including the abduction of numerous young people that we have consistently and unequivocally condemned, heralds a grim future for the rule of law that Kenya prides itself on.”
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