Capital FM, Kenya
June 9 2006
Armenian brothers deported after scuffle with police
Armenian brothers Artur Margaryan and Sargasyan, have been taken to
the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport ,where it is believed they
are to be deported from the country.
The Armenians, who were arrested this morning during a police raid at
their Runda residence, were whisked to the airport under tight
security of armed officers.
They were nabbed following a brush with security officials, after
they allegedly roughed up customs officials at JKIA last night, and
refused to allow officials to inspect their luggage.
One of them is said to have drawn a gun, and threatened the customs
officers, who insisted that they follow procedure to clear at the
airport.
They are however denying the allegations, and have told journalists
at JKIA, that they were not armed as claimed. They further claim to
have been denied access to their lawyers, adding that they have not
recorded statements with the police.
The Armenian brothers, who made headlines in March, after allegations
that they were mercenaries, say their arrest is a political frame-up,
blaming Langata MP Raila Odinga for the turn of events.
Artur Margaryan and Artur Sargasyan, were arrested early this
morning, along with 5 other people at their Runda residence.
Police found 11 top-of-the-range vehicles at the compound, some with
‘GK’ registration plates.
The raid sent panic among senior police officers due to what they are
terming as ‘interference from above’.
No senior police officer involved in the operation is willing to
comment on the matter reffering all questions to the Police
Commissioner himself.
A high powered security meeting was convened at Police Headquarters
over the late night operation.
Seven people, among them Artur Margaryan, his brother Sargasyan and
another man said to be their brother, are recording statements with
the police at Gigiri, Muthangari and Hardy police stations.
The Armenian brothers prominently featured in the media 3 months ago
when they were branded mercenaries by former Roads Minister Raila
Odinga.
Margaryan has since sued the Lang’ata legislator for maligning his
name.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
