Court Bars Police from Accessing Jimi Wanjigi’s Home and Premises

Jimi Wanjigi, a prominent businessman, has secured new legal orders stopping the police from entering his property. This occurred after police searched Wanjigi’s residence in Muthaiga last Thursday, where they claimed to have found four teargas canisters, two Motorola devices, seven various chargers for pocket phones, and a mobile phone in a vehicle parked outside Wanjigi’s gate.

The raid aimed to connect Wanjigi with the ‘Nane Nane’ protests against the government, during which the police also detained two individuals allegedly in possession of explosives while attempting to enter Wanjigi’s home.

Subsequent to this, on Friday, Wanjigi received a court order preventing his arrest and detention, while the two suspected men were ordered to remain in custody after a Monday court decision, which found adequate reasons for their detention pending further investigation.

Later, the High Court in Nairobi addressed Wanjigi’s newly filed appeal against the office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), granting an urgent motion that prohibits the police from accessing his home.

The order issued states: “Pending the inter-partes hearing and determination of the Application dated 12/08/2024, a conservatory order be and is hereby issued restraining the Respondents jointly and severally, their officers, servants, agents, or third parties acting under the direction or authority of the Respondents from entering into or staying within the Petitioner/Applicant’s homes or business premises, including the properties known as Muthaiga No. 44 and Kwacha House along General Mathenge Road in Nairobi City County; and if present within any of the Petitioner/Applicant’s homes or business premises as at the date and time of this Court Order they are further ordered to immediately vacate the same,” as per the court documents.

The court has directed that the involved authorities submit their responses to Wanjigi’s petition by Wednesday, August 14, close of business. It also notes, “The Petitioner/Applicant shall file a rejoinder, if needed, by close of business 15/08/2024. The Application dated 12/08/2024 shall be mentioned on 16/08/2024 to take a priority hearing date for the Application.”