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Kenya: Armenian brothers deported after scuffle with police

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  • Kenya: Armenian brothers deported after scuffle with police

    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.
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