On Monday, businessman Jimi Wanjigi presented himself to police for questioning in connection with the Nane Nane protests and allegations of possessing tear gas canisters at his Muthaiga home in Nairobi. Wanjigi has denied the accusations, dismissing them as politically motivated.
The police had summoned Wanjigi to appear at the Nairobi Area DCI offices on August 19 for interrogation. This followed a failed attempt to arrest him at his residence on August 8.
Wanjigi, accompanied by his legal team, arrived at the DCI offices at around 2 p.m., where he was escorted inside for questioning. A brief confrontation occurred at the entrance when officers prevented him from speaking to the media, insisting that he enter the offices immediately. Wanjigi stood firm, insisting on respectful treatment, before finally driving into the compound.
Earlier, on August 9, a police team had forcibly entered Wanjigi’s house in search of him. In response, Wanjigi sought and obtained a court order on August 16, halting any attempts to arrest him. Justice Bahati Mwamuye extended the order until September 19 but clarified that the order did not prevent the registration of charges against Wanjigi. The judge also instructed that if Wanjigi was arrested or detained while the court application was pending, he should be released immediately.
Wanjigi has filed a court case denying ownership of a vehicle that police claim was found with tear gas canisters and communication devices at the entrance of his Muthaiga home. The black SUV in question was allegedly abandoned at Wanjigi’s gate shortly before police announced they were seeking him in connection with the Nane Nane protests.
Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli had stated that four tear gas canisters, two Motorola devices, seven assorted chargers, and a mobile phone were discovered in the vehicle, prompting the request for Wanjigi to surrender to authorities.
Wanjigi contends that the vehicle in question does not belong to him or any of his associates, asserting that he is being framed as part of a political vendetta. Police had spent the night at his residence unsuccessfully trying to locate him after breaking into the compound. Four individuals have since been charged and released on bail of Sh100,000 each in connection with the tear gas canisters.
