The High Court has issued a temporary order blocking the police from arresting and curtailing the movements of businessman Jimi Wanjigi.
In a ruling rendered on Friday, August 9, 2024, Justice Bahati Mwamuye certified the matter as urgent and issued conservatory orders stopping officers from detaining, arresting and restraining the freedom of movement of Wanjigi.
The judge directed that the matter be mentioned on August 16, 2024.
“Pending the inter-partes hearing and determination of the Application dated 08/08/2024, a conservatory order be and is hereby issued restraining the Respondents jointly and severally, their servants, agents, or third parties acting under the direction or authority of the Respondents from detaining, arresting, or restraining the liberty and freedom of movement of the Petitioner/Applicant, Jimi Wanjigi,” Justice Mwamuye said.
The businessman had filed a petition to stop his arrest after police fingered him for being involved in the Nane Nane protests held yesterday.
Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli disclosed that officers recovered teargas canisters, Motorola communication devices and other items at a vehicle found at the entrance of Wanjigi’s home in Muthaiga.
“As we informed the public yesterday, our intelligence had indicated that there were security threats to our country with criminals who had planned to infiltrate today’s demonstrations and cause h***c,” Masengeli said.
“We wish to inform the public that today we intercepted a personal motor vehicle Prado model KDC 883R in Muthaiga at the residence of Jimi Wanjigi. In the vehicle, we have recovered 4 teargas canisters, 2 Motorola gadgets, 7 assorted chargers for the pocket phones, and one mobile phone.”
In his response, Wanjigi decried police harassment saying the officers teargassed him and attempted to forcefully arrest him denying the accusations levelled against him by the police.
“I believe that the Respondent has no legitimate grounds in attempting to arrest me or link me whatsoever to the alleged discovered items or even searching my premises and/or preferring criminal charges against me and unless this Honorable Court urgently intervenes, attempts to arrest me shall be arbitrary and calculated to embarrass and intimidate me and otherwise cause me psychological suffering without just cause in law,” Wanjigi said.