Jimi Wanjigi Freed On Ksh10 Million Bond But On Condition

The High Court in Nairobi on Tuesday, August 20 released businessman and Safina Party leader, Jimi Wanjigi on a personal bond of Ksh10 million, following his arrest a day earlier.

However, Chief Magistrate Susan Shitubi directed Wanjigi to deposit his passport in court, among the necessary travel documents, pending a ruling on his plea-taking that will be delivered on September 12, 2024.

Wanjigi was released together with his personal assistant David Kibe, who was arraigned in court alongside him.

The renowned businessman was released after his legal team comprised of Kalonzo Musyoka, Paul Muite, Willis Otieno and John Khaminwa asked the court to defer Wanjigi’s plea-taking, claiming that his rights were violated.

Kalonzo Musyoka and Paul Muite among the legal team representing Jimi Wanjigi in court on August 20, 2024. /PHOTO

The defense lawyers argued that Justice Bahati Mwamute had issued an order that prevented the police from arresting their client.

The court's directive comes after the renowned businessman was accused of owning six firearms illegally. However, Wanjigi while appearing before the court, opposed his prosecution claiming that an order had already been issued on the same matter.

Before his arrest by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Wanjigi had on Monday, August 19 arrived at Nairobi Area Regional Police Headquarters for grilling over alleged funding of the Gen Z-led anti-government protests that impacted the whole country.

While addressing the press outside the DCI offices, the businessman termed his arrest illegal and accused the law enforcement agencies of defying court orders.

A video that went viral showed him confronting police officers after arriving at DCI headquarters, as he was ordered to board a car which he had refused to enter but agreed eventually. He was heard sharply shouting "Do not order me, do not touch me."

Police had indicated that they had arrested him over claims of illegal possession of firearms, further noting that his arrest followed confirmation from the Firearms Licensing Board that the six rifles found in his house were not licensed.

“The chairman licensing board advised us to take legal action against him over the illegal possession of the firearms and that is why he is being detained,” a senior officer stated, however clarifying that “It’s a new matter and not the Nane Nane or the tear gas canister issue."

The outspoken politician drew nationwide attention after police raided his home in Muthaiga on August 8, with authorities accusing him of funding the recent Nane Nane protests, amidst calls by Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli to him to surrender himself to any police station.

The acting police boss revealed that the police wanted Wanjigi to record a statement after several items linked to criminals believed to have infiltrated the Nane Nane protests were recovered from his car.