Court bars ODPP from pressing charges against Jimi Wanjigi as case proceeds

The High Court has issued temporary orders preventing the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) from pressing charges against businessman Jimi Wanjigi.

The order will remain in effect until the hearing and determination of a case he filed.

Justice Bahati Mwamuye, in his ruling, said, “Pending the full inter partes hearing and determination of the interlocutory applications pending in this file, a conservatory order in the nature of an order of prohibition be and is hereby issued against the 2nd Respondent barring the 2nd Respondent from proffering or instituting any criminal charges or continuing any criminal prosecution against the Petitioner relating to the subject matter of the Petition herein."

The judge further clarified that Wanjigi would not be required to take a plea during his court appearance scheduled for September 26, 2024.

However, the ODPP was given the option to file an application in court if necessary.

Last month, the court had already provided relief to Wanjigi, issuing orders halting his prosecution over allegations of illegal firearm possession.

On August 20, 2024, Justice Mwamuye ruled in favour of the former presidential candidate, preventing the ODPP from confiscating, retaining, or interfering with firearms registered to him.

Additionally, the court stayed any criminal charges against Wanjigi related to his firearm certificate until the case's conclusion.

Wanjigi’s legal battles stem from his arrest by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) the day before he presented himself for questioning regarding alleged funding of anti-government protests.

He was later released on a personal bond of Sh10 million after a court appearance, during which he was ordered to surrender his passport.

The court is expected to rule on September 12, 2024, on whether he will enter a plea.