The High Court has temporarily barred the police from arresting businessman Jimi Wanjigi while a case he filed is being considered. The court also restricted the authorities from interfering with his freedom of movement.
The police claim that Wanjigi is wanted for allegedly funding the Nane Nane protests held on August 8. He was reportedly seen distributing money to youths on Limuru Road.
Presiding over the matter, Justice Bahati Mwamuye ordered that if Wanjigi had been taken into custody or detained while his application was under review, he should be released immediately. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the judge directed Wanjigi to ensure that the Inspector General, the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) receive all relevant court documents by the end of the day on August 12.
Wanjigi’s lawyer, Willis Otieno, expressed confusion over the police’s pursuit of his client. “Every failing regime always looks for a scapegoat, and I don’t know why they have felt that Jimi Wanjigi is a scapegoat for their failures,” Otieno said. “When Uhuru Kenyatta had challenges, it was Jimi Wanjigi that they came to raid. William Ruto is now facing challenges, and he has sent goons to intimidate Jimi Wanjigi. There is no reason they should keep coming here.