Former Nandi Hills Member of Parliament Alfred Keter has been released hours after he had been arrested in a dramatic incident in Kileleshwa, Nairobi.
Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo led a group of lawyers to Kamukunji Police station to successfully seek his release.
Keter told the government officials behind his arrest that he would not be intimidated.
Police said he is under probe for claims of arms trafficking and fraud, allegations which Keter denies.
Keter and his wife explained how they were dramatically arrested on Sunday morning.
The wife said the incident had left their children traumatized.
He was taken and booked at Kamukunji police cells. Police said they will summon him for further grilling. The team involved in the drama said they staged the dramatic arrest after he allegedly resisted arrest.
In an image seen by the Star, the former lawmaker was seen addressing the media outside the police station on Sunday, flanked by Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino among other leaders.
Keter was arrested as he left a church event in the Kileleshwa area, Nairobi. His family was with him at the time of the incident and could be heard screaming for help.
A pedestrian detected the commotion and recorded it. In a video, armed men in plain clothes were seen pulling the former lawmaker from his Toyota V8 Land Cruiser before driving off in a Ford Ranger Double-cabin.
Keter’s handler would later post on his official Facebook Page "Abducted and taken to an unknown destination.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Singoei condemned the incident.
“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.
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.
Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua also condemned the incident. “It’s getting worse by the day. If indeed this is Keter getting arrested why and where are they taking him? #ReleaseAlfredKeter.”
Kanu chairman Gideon Moi said “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. 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.”
“Since the onset of the vehement opposition to oppressive economic policies mounted by young people, some of them remain missing, held incommunicado while their families are distressed about the whereabouts of their loved ones."
“The constitution and the laws of our land are very clear regarding the arrests of any individual 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 of competent jurisdictions within twenty-four hours to stand trial.
“Therefore, 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.”