Businessman Jimi Wanjigi Arrested Over Illegal Firearms Possession

Businessman Jimi Wanjigi, a prominent figure in Kenya’s political and business circles, was arrested on August 19, 2024, by police on allegations of illegal firearms possession. The arrest took place at his residence and marks a significant development in a case that has drawn considerable attention due to Wanjigi’s high profile and ongoing legal battles.

According to police statements, Wanjigi’s arrest stems from the discovery of six rifles at his home, which the Firearms Licensing Board confirmed were not licensed. This confirmation led the authorities to take legal action against him for the illegal possession of these firearms. Wanjigi is currently being held at Kamukunji police station and is set to face prosecution on Tuesday, August 20.

A senior police officer emphasized that this arrest is unrelated to previous investigations involving Wanjigi, specifically the Nane Nane protests and allegations concerning tear gas canisters found at his Muthaiga residence. “This is a new matter,” the officer clarified, distancing the current legal proceedings from past issues that have also involved Wanjigi.

The arrest has been surrounded by controversy, with Wanjigi himself accusing the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) of acting illegally. He took to social media, posting on X (formerly Twitter) at around 4:20 pm, to publicly condemn his detention. “The DCI has illegally arrested me despite numerous court orders barring the same arrest,” Wanjigi claimed, suggesting that his arrest was politically motivated.

Earlier in the day, Wanjigi had complied with a police summons to appear for questioning regarding allegations of his involvement in the Nane Nane protests. He had been scheduled to provide answers about his purported role in organizing these protests and the presence of teargas canisters at his home. However, the legal drama escalated when police instead arrested him over the firearms issue.

Wanjigi’s legal team had previously sought to prevent his arrest by obtaining court orders. On August 16, 2024, Justice Bahati Mwamuye had extended an order stopping the police from arresting Wanjigi until September 19. However, the judge made it clear that while the order prevented arrest, it did not prevent the registration of a charge sheet or subsequent prosecution. This legal maneuver highlighted the complex interplay between Wanjigi’s legal challenges and the ongoing investigation.

The legal orders barring his arrest were significant, considering that on August 8, attempts by police to arrest him at his home had failed. Wanjigi, accompanied by his legal representatives, had presented himself at the Nairobi Area DCI offices for questioning, which had been scheduled for August 19. Despite these prior arrangements and legal interventions, the arrest on firearms charges marks a new chapter in Wanjigi’s legal troubles.

Wanjigi’s arrest comes at a time when his political and business activities have been under close scrutiny. The businessman, who has been vocal about political issues and has faced various allegations in the past, now finds himself embroiled in a new legal battle. As he spends the night at Kamukunji police station, the coming days will be critical in determining the course of his legal fight and the broader implications for his career and public standing.

The case continues to develop, and further updates will likely shed more light on the reasons behind the illegal possession charges and any potential political undertones influencing the ongoing legal actions against Wanjigi.