Kenyan media announced the apprehension of ex-Afghan lawmaker Zahir Qadir at a hotel in Nairobi. The Nairobi News disclosed that a Kenyan court sanctioned the arrest of an Afghan individual sought by the United States for multiple offenses. Zahir Qadir was detained at the City Hotel in Nairobi, following a request from the criminal department for his custody.

What allegations are leveled against Zahir Qadir? 

As per the report, a US district court issued an arrest warrant for him on March 25 this year. Additionally, a member of the US Drug Enforcement Administration lodged a criminal complaint against him in a New York court. Notably, investigations suggest that Zahir Qadir is wanted for charges related to drug trafficking and possession of weapons. The US Central Intelligence Agency has formally requested his extradition via diplomatic channels to the Kenyan government. Sources indicated that a prosecutor informed the court that Zahir Qadir flew into Nairobi from Kabul on April 14.

What position did Zahir Qadeer hold in the previous government?

A US-backed media outlet said that Zahir Qadeer, who was arrested in Kenya last week, was a member of parliament from 2010 to 2021 and also served as the first deputy speaker of parliament for a term.

Zahir Qadeer was a controversial figure in parliamentary debates and had repeatedly mentioned his vast wealth and hundreds of cars and properties.

It is worth noting that many officials of the previous government were accused of drug trafficking and other illegal activities, and they have been questioned and investigated in foreign countries from time to time.