Businessman Jimi Wanjigi has been detained at Kamukunji Police Station following the discovery of unlicensed firearms at his residence.
The arrest, which occurred on August 19, 2024, is linked to allegations of illegal firearm possession. Police have stated that Wanjigi will be formally charged in court on Tuesday, August 20.
A senior police officer clarified that Wanjigi’s arrest is unrelated to the ongoing investigations into the Nane Nane protests or the issue of tear gas canisters.
“It’s a new matter and not the Nane Nane or the tear gas canister issue,” the officer said.
Earlier in the day, Wanjigi took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to announce his detention. He claimed that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had unlawfully arrested him, despite existing court orders that were intended to prevent his arrest.
“The DCI has illegally arrested me despite numerous court orders barring the same arrest,” Wanjigi posted.
Wanjigi had appeared before police, for questioning related to his alleged involvement in sponsoring the Nane Nane protests and claims of possessing tear gas canisters at his Muthaiga home.
Wanjigi has consistently denied these allegations, labeling them as politically motivated.
The businessman had previously secured a court order on August 16, 2024, extending protection against arrest until September 19, 2024.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye, who issued the extension, clarified that while the order prevented arrest, it did not stop the registration of any charge sheet against Wanjigi.
Wanjigi had been scheduled to report to the Nairobi Area DCI offices for questioning but arrived with his legal team at around 2 pm.
His defense lawyer, Willis Otieno, had sought the court order to prevent arrest, although the judge stated that the order did not cover issues related to prosecution.
