DCI detains two more suspects tied to politician Jimi Wanjigi in hand grenade case

Two men arrested in connection with four objects suspected to be hand grenades found in a vehicle outside politician Jimi Wanjigi's home in Muthaiga, Nairobi, will remain in custody pending a court's ruling on an application by the police to detain them for seven days pending investigations into the matter.

Kennedy Ochieng Asewe and Josiah Augo Otimo were placed under custody at the Central Police Station, as Nairobi Central DCI investigates a case of possession of explosives contrary to Section 6(1)(b) of the Explosives Act.

The duo were booked at the Kamukunji police station via Occurrence Book (OB) 41/9/8/2024 upon their arrest in the Soweto area of Dandora, Nairobi, on August 9.

They were suspected to have been in the vehicle where the items were found before they escaped the police dragnet, where two other men were apprehended.

But their lawyer, Willis Otieno, opposed the application by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for orders to detain them to aid in investigations.

Inspector George Karanja of Nairobi Central DCI offices asked for orders from Senior Principal Magistrate Robinson Ondieki, stating that the investigators want to establish the intended use of the objects together with three mobile phones.

Officers camp at Jimi Wanjigi's Muthaiga home on Friday, September 9, 2024. (Photo: Barack Oduor )

According to IP Karanja, part of the investigation involves determining whether the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) has licensed and approved the use of pocket phones in Kenya.

Other investigations include determining whether the items are explosives by the bomb experts at the DCI headquarters and their intended use owing to the security threat they pose.

Other items found include two pocket phones, seven pocket phone chargers, and a national identity card that does not belong to those already arrested.

However, lawyer Willis Otieno opposed the DCI's application, arguing that the two men were caught in the crossfire between politician Wanjigi and the state and requesting that the court release them to allow "heavyweights to continue their fights."

Ondieki will decide on Tuesday whether to order the two to be held in police custody or be released on cash bail or bond conditions while the investigations are ongoing.

Other suspects in custody over the same matter include Dancun Odhiambo and Calvin Ochieng, detained at the Central Police Station, where they are being questioned over the same items.

Odhiambo and Ochieng were remanded in police custody for seven days by Chief Magistrate Barnard Ochoi, but lawyer Willis Otieno made an oral application to have the decision revised.

Otieno hopes Chief Magistrate Barnard Ochoi will favour his prayer on Tuesday.

Politician Jimi Wanjigi at a past event.