The Sh8.5 million items police took from my home- Wanjigi on recent raid

Businessman Jimi Wanjigi has moved to court, seeking orders compelling the police to return items valued at over Sh8.5 million that were allegedly confiscated during a raid on his Nairobi residence.

Wanjigi claims the items, including smartphones, jewellery, and cash, were illegally taken by police officers when they stormed his Muthaiga home on August 8, 2024.

He now wants the High Court to intervene and compel the Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli and Director of Criminal Investigation Amin Mohamed Ibrahim to return the goods as the case continues.

In his legal filing, Wanjigi has outlined a list of 36 items he asserts were wrongfully taken from his home.

The list cites high-end electronics such as two iPhone 15 ProMax smartphones, an iPhone 14, and two Samsung Flip 5 phones, along with various communication devices of make TTI model and an Apple laptop.

The valuable items also include three Apple iPads, a Samsung tablet and a Hikvision Network Video Recorder.

The jewellery reportedly seized includes Cartier Love Hoop Earrings valued at $2,080 (Sh267,883), a Cartier Juste Un Clou Ring priced at $1,320 (Sh170,002) and a Cartier Love Ring with three diamonds valued at $4,100 (Sh528,039).

Additionally, Wanjigi lists two sets of Cartier Pave Diamond Stud Earrings, each valued at $9,400 (Sh1,210,626), and Cartier Trinity Earrings worth $2,000 (Sh257,580).

Other high-value pieces include a Van Cleef and Arpels Mother of Pearl Vintage Alhambra pendant at $3,000 (Sh386,370), an Elias Baguette Ring with Diamonds worth $1,000 (Sh128,790), and Prada crystal-embellished stud earrings valued at $830 (Sh106,862).

Mejuri rings and bracelets, along with a Patek Philippe Calatrava watch valued at $10,000 (Sh1.2 million), are also among the claimed items.

The businessman also mentions the confiscation of various tech gadgets including Apple AirPods Max, Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, and Sony WH-100 MX5 headphones, with total values ranging from $300 (Sh38,000) to $800 (Sh103,000).

Cash amounts belonging to individuals identified as Irene Wanjigi, Mary Wambui, and staff member Wanjiku, totalling $570(Sh73,000), were also reportedly seized.

The court application follows Wanjigi's attempt to block his arrest related to his involvement in the “Nane Nane” protests in Nairobi earlier in August.

Wanjigi alleges that the police teargassed him and pursued him to his residence, where they tried to forcibly enter to arrest him.

He has, however, denied any connection to being in possession of teargas canisters allegedly found in one of his escort vehicles.

“The Applicant denies knowledge of the stated items and discovery, categorically stating that the motor vehicle in which they were discovered if at all, does not belong to him or any of his associates or affiliates as reported,” he said in court papers.

The High Court has also issued an order preventing the police from arresting or detaining him while the case is ongoing.