Jimi Wanjigi summoned over alleged plans to infiltrate protests, cause havoc

Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli now wants former presidential aspirant Jimi Wanjigi to surrender to the nearest police station.

The summons comes after the police linked him with alleged plans to infiltrate Thursday's protests and cause havoc.

"Our appeal is that he surrender to the nearest police station," said Masengeli.

"We wish to inform the public that today we intercepted a personal motor vehicle, a Prado model KBC 883R, in Muthaiga at the residence of Jimi Wanjigi.

According to Masengeli, a search of the car led to the discovery of four teargas canisters, two Motorola gadgets, seven assorted chargers for the pocket phones and one mobile phone evidence that he said makes Wanjigi a person of interest.

"Investigators are on the ground to ascertain more details," he said.

The officer further noted that today's protests saw minimal skirmishes, unlike recent protests that saw damage to property and the loss of lives.

During today's protests, 174 people were arrested around the country, including 126 in Nairobi, 22 in Kitengela, and 26 in Emali, Makueni County.

"The National Police Service would like to thank all law-abiding Kenyans for preserving peace and maintaining law and order across the country today and protesters for doing so peacefully," he said.

Masengeli further said the service acknowledges the Constitution of Kenya but noted that the planners of the Nane Nane protests did not notify the police. However, the service did notify members of the public not to attend.

"Despite failure by the conveners of today's demonstrations to notify the police of the intention to hold the demonstration, we ensured adequate deployment of security personnel and cautioned members of the public to avoid crowded areas that were likely to turn riotous," he said.

When asked about incidents caught on camera of police attacking journalists, Masengeli instead thanked the media for their support.

"It is because of you that we have known some other bad guys who have come in, and in this regard, I just urge the fourth estate that we unite and work together as a team as we continue making sure we save our country," said the Ag IG.