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Police reportedly surrounded the home of former Kenya Interior minister Fred Matiang’i in Nairobi’s Karen suburb on Wednesday night
The motive behind the police operation was not clear.
The ex-minister’s lawyer told journalists that Mr Matiang’i was holed up in his home and accused the government of trying to falsely accuse and frame his client.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga and a host of politicians arrived at the home for a night vigil following the incident.
Mr Odinga condemned the action terming it harassment and intimidation by the state.
A group of lawyers were due to accompany the former minister to the nearest police station on Thursday morning to record a statement.
Mr Matiang’i was a powerful cabinet minister and key ally of former President Uhuru Kenyatta who campaigned to block President William Ruto from ascending to power.
Security officers attached to influential individuals who served under Mr Kenyatta, including Mr Matiang’i, were scaled down earlier this month.
Mr Kenyatta and Mr Ruto fell out during their second term in office following a political truce between the former president and his erstwhile arch-rival Mr. Odinga.