On Wednesday night, reports indicated that the National Police Service raided former cabinet secretary Fred Matiang’i’s Karen home. However, the Inspector General of police Japheth Koome has since dismissed those claims citing that the National Police Service had nothing to do with the said raid.
“I wish to clarify that no police officer under the NPS was sent to former CS Matiang’i residence at all,” the IG told The Nation.
On Wednesday, Matiang’i’s legal team confirmed that police surrounded his home in an attempt to arrest him forcefully.
“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. Why didn’t they come during the day?” Questioned Sam Nyaberi, Matiang’i’s lawyer.
Azimio leaders stand with Matiang’i
The former prime minister, Raila Odinga, who was present at Matiang’i’s home on Wednesday also confirmed the raid and vowed to stand with Dr Matiang’i.
“I am not leaving Dr Matiang’i’s home tonight until this matter is resolved. He can count on our support and solidarity as Azimio.” Odinga vowed.
Narc Kenya leader, Martha Karua has also challenged the raid and urged Kenyans to resist the “reign of terror”.
“Raiding Matiangi’s house gangster style meant to spread a cloud of terror on all persons out of favour with the UDA regime,” Karua said.
Was it a prank?
Kenyans are now questioning whether the whole thing was stage-managed after the IG clarified that the police were not involved. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) also distanced itself from the raid as some claims had purported that they were behind the Wednesday night ordeal in Karen.
“This Matiangi issue. Does anyone have a pic of the cops and/or vehicles used? IG says no cops were sent. EACC says they are not involved. Was it stage-managed?” Posed lawyer Cliff Ombeta.
“Isn’t it strange that there are no photos or videos of the raid at Matiangi’s home (Even his CCTV) and DCI, EACC and the Police have all denied raiding him? There are two possibilities:
1. The whole thing was stage-managed
2. The government has a ghost police wing” tweeted blogger Cyprian Nyakundi.
Following the raid allegations, Matiang’i’s lawyers, led by Danstan Omari, have since moved to court to seek an anticipatory bill.