Police have admitted to the arrest of former Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter in a dramatic incident that occurred on the road in Kileleshwa, Nairobi.
Keter was taken to Kamukunji police cells, though it remains unclear if he will be produced in court. According to the police, the arrest was dramatic because Keter allegedly resisted.
The incident was captured on camera, showing armed men in plain clothes pulling Keter from his Toyota V8 Land Cruiser and forcing him into a Ford Ranger Double-cabin. Keter was with his family, who were heard screaming for help during the altercation.
A pedestrian recorded the commotion, and the video quickly spread on social media. Keter’s handler posted on his official Facebook page, describing the event as an abduction. Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Singoei condemned the manner of the arrest, emphasizing the need for lawful procedures. “We must resist the temptation to adopt extra-legal means even in the pursuit of legitimate objectives,” he wrote on X.
Lawyer Ahmednasir Abdulahi also criticized the street arrest as unacceptable, stating that it did not adhere to lawful procedures. Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua echoed this sentiment, expressing concern over Keter’s whereabouts and demanding his release. “It’s getting worse by the day. If indeed this is Keter getting arrested, why and where are they taking him? #ReleaseAlfredKeter,” she wrote.
Kanu chairman Gideon Moi condemned the incident, describing it as part of a disturbing trend of abductions in Kenya. “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. He emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
Moi highlighted that the constitution and laws of Kenya are clear on the procedures for arresting individuals suspected of crimes. Such individuals must be informed of the reasons for their arrest, have access to legal representation, and be produced before a court within twenty-four hours.
“We urge the authorities to uphold the rule of law, ensure the safety of all its citizens, and release anyone being held unlawfully in any part of the country,” Moi added.
