Police arrest Jimi Wanjigi, accuse him of owning illegal firearms

Police in Nairobi arrested politician and billionaire Jimi Wanjigi on Monday when he presented himself for questioning at the Nairobi Regional Police Headquarters.

Wanjigi, who has been linked to funding anti-government protests across the country, had been summoned by the police to defend himself against the accusations. Police also claimed to have found tear gas canisters in a car outside his Muthaiga, Nairobi, home.

However, today, they accused him of owning illegal firearms.

After three hours of interrogation accompanied by his lawyers, Willis Otieno and John Khaminwa, police, under heavy security, bundled Wanjigi into a waiting car and drove him to Kamukunji Police Station.

Lawyer Khaminwa, who spoke to journalists, protested the detention, calling it illegal and a breach of a court order barring such an action.

“The police have acted clearly in contravention of the law because we're in possession of a court order barring Wanjigi's arrest,” said Khaminwa.

He expressed frustration over police claims that Wanjigi had illegal firearms and that a search operation would be conducted to recover them.

“After a long period of grilling, a police officer came and told us that they’re going to detain Wanjigi because he’s holding illegal firearms,” said Khaminwa.

Politician Jimi Wanjigi's lawyer, John Khaminwa, recounts the events that led to Wanjigi's arrest and detention at Kamukunji Police Station after he arrived at Nairobi Area DCI offices for questioning in connection with the Nane Nane protests. pic.twitter.com/S74SYZOGOo

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) August 19, 2024

He warned that the police’s actions resembled those from Kenya's one-party state era and rushed to court to protest the development. Wanjigi’s family, who were at the police station, also spoke against the manner of his arrest.

Last week, the High Court extended an order preventing the police from arresting Wanjigi. Justice Bahati Mwamuye extended this order until September 19 but noted that it could not prevent the registration of any charge sheet against him.

The judge explained that the application filed by Wanjigi only addressed issues of arrest and not prosecution.

Wanjigi’s advocate, Willis Otieno, sought the order this morning, stating, “Several things have happened that we will be seeking to bring to the attention of this court that will necessitate an amendment of the application. That’s why we are pleading for the order. There will be no prejudice to be suffered.”

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) opposed the order, arguing that Otieno's request was for matters not previously addressed in the pleadings.

"They are trying to preempt our grounds of opposition, in which we indicate they have failed to demonstrate how we have threatened the rights of the petitioner. I am opposed to granting an order that will bar charges," said the DPP.

After hearing from both sides, the judge gave Wanjigi seven days to file and serve an amended petition.

The matter will be mentioned again on September 19.

Politician Jimi Wanjigi in handcuffs after being arrested on Monday, August 19, 2024. (Photo: Handout)