Armed police officers raided the home of former Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala on Thursday, to arrest him.
One Land Cruiser full of officers in full anti-riot gear arrived at Malala’s residence in upmarket Milimani estate at 1.30pm.
They found the gate locked and climbed over the fence before breaking padlocks to gain access to the compound.
The officers cordoned the compound and stayed in until 3pm when they pulled back after it started raining.
They attempted to break into the house but Malala’s supporters dared them to arrest them instead and leave Malala’s house alone.
Details on why police wanted to arrest Malala remained scanty.
Western regional police commander Perris Kimani said Malala was wanted for four assault cases and one robbery with violence case.
She said complains had been filed against him and he was required to give further information.
"He was summoned to come and give more information on the complaints before it is decided whether to take him to court or not but he didn't show up," Kimani said.
Kakamega DCIO J Ng’etich however declined to give details of the operation only saying, “I will call you later not now,” when reached on phone.
Another senior officer in the operation told the Star that he (Malala) fought another person during the Monday governor election.
It was not immediately established whom the politician assaulted.
“Police cannot just come to your place when there’s nothing wrong,” the officer who declined to be named said.
People who were inside the locked house spoke through the windows saying Malala was not in the house but refused to open the doors.
Malala's personal assistant Alfred Makotsi told journalists that the search for Malala was linked to politics.
“We lost election and accepted defeat, what do you want from us?” he yelled at the police inside the compound.
