Kenya police surround ex-interior minister’s home
Police reportedly surrounded the home of former Kenya Interior minister Fred Matiang’i in Nairobi’s Karen suburb on Wednesday night
The ex-minister’s lawyer told journalists that Matiang’i was holed up in his home and accused the government of trying to falsely accuse and frame his client.
“The police have not declared what they want or what he’s done wrong. We do not understand why the police would come to arrest our client in the dead of the night,” lawyer Sam Nyaberi said.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga and a host of politicians arrived at the home for a night vigil following the incident.
Odinga condemned the action, terming it harassment and intimidation by the state.
A group of lawyers was due to accompany the former minister to the nearest police station on Thursday morning to record a statement.
Matiang’i was a powerful cabinet minister and a key ally of former president Uhuru Kenyatta who campaigned to block President William Ruto from ascending to power.
Meanwhile, the head of the Kenya police service has disowned the reported operation.
Inspector General Japhet Koome said that no officers under the National Police Service were sent to the former minister’s residence.—BBC
