How Dr. Matiang’i played cat-and-mouse with authorities in late night raid
The former powerful Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i was informed by highly placed sources on Wednesday noon of his looming arrest, Nairobi News can now reveal.
Dr Matiang’i, who worked closely with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, immediately informed his team of lawyers about the situation and asked them to be on high alert.
It wasn’t until 10 PM that an elite squad arrived at his Karen home in five vehicles and demanded access. Dr Matiang’i had maintained a low profile since President William Ruto took office. Still, the officers did not know that the former CS had already informed former Prime Minister Raila Odinga of the situation.
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As the officers and Dr Matiang’i’s security team argued outside the compound, the lawyers arrived and were allowed inside the house.
According to an aide to the former CS who spoke on condition of anonymity, “This is something that we had already been told was going to happen but we did not know that they were planning to arrive at his home during the night.”
The officers, numbering over 20, could not access the compound, but some of the lawyers, led by Mr Danstan Omari, walked in and met with Dr Matiang’i.
Speaking to Nairobi News, lawyer Omari stated that the former CS was safe and condemned the state’s move to make an arrest at 10 PM, saying it was only aimed at humiliating him. “The former CS is safe and we are not going to leave this place until tomorrow. Already, we are over 100. All they can do is arrest all of us.”
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Omari added that they were aware of the plans to arrest Dr Matiang’i but were not sure of the reasons. He demanded that the officers be allowed access to the compound only if they produce a search warrant.
“This habit of walking into someone’s home at night and making arrests is unacceptable and unconstitutional. We shall not allow the officers to nab him,” said the lawyer.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga condemned the manner in which the officers were planning to arrest Dr Matiang’i, saying that it was unfortunate that such things were happening in the country.
“Police have surrounded his home at this time of the day. The more things change, the more they remain the same. Why arrest people without formal charges?” posed Mr Odinga.
In conclusion, the late-night standoff at Dr Matiang’i’s Karen home has raised concerns about the rule of law and the constitutional rights of citizens in Kenya.
The situation is still developing, and Nairobi News will keep you updated on any further developments.
Also read: Ruto, If you believe you won the election fairly, leave Matiang’i alone – Millicent Odhiambo