Police have denied abducting former Nandi Hills Member of Parliament Alfred Keter despite the incident being caught on camera.
Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) clarified that Keter was arrested by the National Police Service (NPS) for conspiracy to traffic firearms and incitement to violence.
“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,” DCI said in a statement on social media account on Sunday evening June 30, 2024.
Additionally, DCI disclosed that Keter was booked at the Kamukunji Police Station before he was ultimately released pending forensic analysis of exhibits.
“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. Police are urging members of the public to refrain from acts of violence, hate speech and malice for sustained peace and security in our beloved country,” DCI said.
Caught on camera
Keter was violently arrested by heavily armed men in plain clothes outside Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Kileleshwa on Sunday, June 30, 2024.
The arrest took place outside Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Kileleshwa as Keter was leaving in his black Landcruiser V8.
Video footage captured the moment three men in plainclothes, armed with AK-47 rifles, approached Keter’s vehicle, forcibly dragged him out, and bundled him into the backseat of a Ford double-cabin pickup.
The dramatic scene unfolded in broad daylight, witnessed by numerous onlookers, some of whom recorded the event and shared the footage online.
The Ford double-cabin pickup, accompanied by a white Subaru, sped off to an unknown destination.
Both vehicles lacked government-registered number plates, although the Ford was equipped with police sirens.
Keter, known for his criticism of the government, confirmed his abduction via a post on Facebook shortly after the incident, stating, “Abducted, headed to unknown destination.”
This incident has raised serious concerns about the actions of security forces and the treatment of political figures in Kenya.
The DCI’s statement aims to clarify the situation, but the video evidence and public outcry highlight ongoing tensions and issues of trust between the government and its critics.
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