Alfred Keter, the former Member of Parliament for Nandi Hills, was arrested in a dramatic incident in Kileleshwa, Nairobi on Sunday morning. The arrest, which was captured on video, showed armed men in plain clothes pulling Keter from his Toyota V8 Land Cruiser as he was leaving a church event.
Police have admitted to arresting Keter and stated that he was taken to Kamukunji police station. They allege that Keter is under investigation for claims of arms trafficking and fraud, which he denies. The police claim they tried to arrest him peacefully, but he resisted, leading to the dramatic arrest.
Keter’s wife and children were present during the incident and were left traumatized. The Law Society of Kenya President, Faith Odhiambo, led a group of lawyers to the police station and successfully sought Keter’s release hours after his arrest.
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The arrest has been widely condemned by political leaders and human rights activists. Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua questioned the reasons for Keter’s arrest and called for his release. Kanu chairman Gideon Moi described the incident as an “abduction” and condemned the “proliferating gangland-type kidnappings” in the country.
The Constitution and laws of Kenya are clear regarding the arrest of individuals suspected of committing a crime. Such individuals must be informed of the reasons for their arrest, accorded access to legal representation, and produced before a court within 24 hours. However, in Keter’s case, it appears that these procedures were not followed.
As the investigation into the allegations against Keter continues, it is crucial that the authorities uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety of all citizens. The use of extra-legal means in effecting arrests, even in the pursuit of legitimate objectives, should be resisted.
Alfred Keter: The Outspoken Kenyan Legislator
Alfred Keter is a Kenyan politician who has served as the Member of Parliament for Nandi Hills Constituency since 2013. He is known for his outspoken and sometimes controversial style, often criticizing the government and its policies.
Early Life and Education
Keter was born and raised in Ollessos village, Nandi County, in a family of six children. He attended Cheplelachbei Primary School and Kapsabet Boys’ High School, where he was known as a ringleader of student strikes and protests. Despite his disciplinary issues, Keter performed well academically and secured a spot at Egerton University, though he was expelled twice for leading student protests.
Political Career
Keter’s political ambitions were sparked during his time at Kapsabet High School and Egerton University, where he was involved in student politics. After completing his studies, he moved to Nairobi and engaged in various business ventures before making his first attempt at elected office in 2007, unsuccessfully vying for the Starehe parliamentary seat.
Keter was elected as the Member of Parliament for Nandi Hills Constituency in 2013 and has since gained a reputation as an outspoken and controversial figure in Kenyan politics. He has been a vocal critic of the Jubilee Party government, accusing it of corruption and mismanagement, and has even announced his resignation from the party on several occasions.
Controversies and Arrests
Keter has been involved in several controversies during his time as an MP. In 2015, a video circulated showing him abusing and threatening police officers at a weighbridge on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway. He has also been arrested on allegations of conspiracy to traffic firearms and incitement to violence, though he maintains his innocence and claims the arrests are politically motivated.
Latest Developments
In June 2024, Keter was dramatically arrested in Nairobi, with his family witnessing the incident. The arrest sparked outrage from various political leaders and public figures, who criticized the manner in which it was carried out and called for adherence to legal procedures. Keter was later released from the police station pending further investigation, and the case has generated significant attention and debate in the Kenyan political landscape.