Former MP Keter resisted arrest on gun trafficking, inciting violence charges, police report says

Police have confirmed the arrest of former Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter in a dramatic incident captured on video in Kileleshwa, Nairobi.

On Sunday, authorities forcibly removed Keter from his vehicle along Nyeri Road in Kileleshwa, Dagoretti North sub-county in Nairobi.

Video footage shows armed men, believed to be police, removing Keter from his V8 Land Cruiser and driving off in a grey Ford Ranger dual-cab.

In a statement on his official Facebook account, Keter claimed to have been kidnapped and taken to an unknown location.

The video also shows members of the public screaming as unidentified individuals drag Keter away. The former MP had recently expressed support for youths opposing the 2024 Finance Bill at a funeral in Siaya County.

Authorities confirmed the arrest of Keter, who was arrested at Kamukunji Police Station. According to them, he resisted arrest, which led to this dramatic incident.

“We tried to arrest him peacefully, but he resisted. He is under investigation on various charges,” said an officer familiar with the incident.

The DCI released a statement clarifying that Keter was arrested for “conspiracy to traffic firearms and inciting violence.”

The DCI dismissed claims circulating on social media that Keter had been abducted, confirming that he had subsequently been released.

“Contrary to the misinformation being spread on social media regarding the alleged kidnapping of the Honorable Alfred Keter by unknown persons, we confirm that the Honorable Keter was arrested earlier today by NPS agents for conspiracy to commit firearms trafficking and incitement to violence”, ” said the Management.

The statement continues, “He was arrested at Kamukunji Police Station and later released pending forensic analysis of evidence. The case will then be forwarded to the Attorney General’s Office for instructions.”

The DCI urged the public not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding Keter's arrest.

“The police urge the public to refrain from violence, hate speech and spreading malicious information to ensure the maintenance of peace and security in our country.” stressed the DCI.