Mary Wambui Defends Son Jimi Wanjigi Amidst Allegations, Decries Raid as Unjust

Mary Wambui, the mother of prominent Kenyan businessman and politician Jimi Wanjigi, has fervently exonerated her son from any criminal involvement. Her remarks come in the wake of a recent raid on Wanjigi’s Muthaiga home by a multi-agency security team, an incident she described as both unfortunate and unjust. The raid, which took place just a month after the passing of Wanjigi’s father, has added a layer of personal tragedy to an already tense situation.

In a video widely circulated by The Star, a visibly concerned Wambui expressed her deep sadness over the treatment of her son, whom she has always known to be a loving and law-abiding individual. “I know him very well since his childhood, and he’s never been a criminal. He’s a loving son, father, and husband,” Wambui said. She further expressed her hope that the truth would prevail, urging the public to see through the allegations against her son and recognize his innocence.

The raid on Wanjigi’s home occurred on Thursday evening, when a contingent of police officers surrounded his Nairobi residence, house number 44 in Muthaiga. The officers remained outside the house for hours before forcibly entering the premises in a bid to arrest Wanjigi. The operation, which was characterized by a high level of intensity, culminated in a search of the house as the officers claimed to be looking for both Wanjigi and additional evidence.

The police later announced that they had recovered several items from a vehicle allegedly linked to Wanjigi, which was parked at the entrance of his home. Among the items reportedly found were four tear gas canisters, two Motorola communication devices, seven chargers for pocket phones, and one mobile phone. Acting Inspector General of Police, Gilbert Masengeli, stated that these discoveries justified their actions, and he called on Wanjigi to surrender himself for questioning. “We intercepted a personal motor vehicle in Muthaiga at the residence of Jimi Wanjigi. In the vehicle, we have recovered four teargas canisters, two Motorola gadgets, seven assorted chargers for the pocket phones, and one mobile phone,” Masengeli said.

However, in a swift response, Wanjigi vehemently denied ownership of the vehicle in question. He refuted the claims made by the police, alleging that the entire operation was a fabrication aimed at discrediting him and settling political scores. “I believe that the IG has no legitimate grounds for arresting me or presenting myself to any police station as demanded or preferring criminal charges against me,” Wanjigi asserted. He further clarified that the vehicle allegedly associated with the tear gas canisters was not his, and he distanced himself from any involvement in the Nane Nane demonstrations in Nairobi, during which the police claim the vehicle was used.

The latest developments have cast a spotlight on the tense relationship between Wanjigi and the authorities, a relationship that has been fraught with conflict in recent years. Wanjigi, known for his influential role in Kenyan politics and business, has often found himself at odds with various government agencies, leading to several high-profile confrontations. The current situation is being viewed by many as a continuation of these disputes, with political motivations being suspected by Wanjigi’s supporters.

As Wanjigi continues to maintain his innocence, the situation remains fluid, with the businessman vowing to fight the allegations in court. His mother’s public defense of him has added a personal dimension to the case, highlighting the emotional toll that the ongoing saga is taking on the Wanjigi family.