The family of businessman and politician Jimi Wanjigi has shared their experience of a police raid on their Muthaiga home on Thursday, August 8 amid the Nane Nane Protests.
Jimi Wanjigi’s son, Maina Wanjigi, spoke to the press on Friday, August 9, detailing the terrifying night.
Maina said that the raid began at 7PM. And that he was assaulted by five police officers.
“They came in at around 7 pm, broke the door, and I was beaten up by five masked police officers,” Maina said.
“Once they entered the house, they assaulted my sister and mother, ordered us to lie on the floor, and kicked us on the heads. We had no choice but to cooperate.”
The search went on until 4:00 am, and the family thought it was over.
But just two hours later, more officers came back.
“At 6:00 am, they dragged us from bed and told us they wanted to search even more,” Maina added.
Maina also mentioned that the power was cut, and the Wi-Fi was turned off during the raid, leaving the family without communication.
Jimi Wanjigi Daughter Speaks
Jimi Wanjigi’s daughter, Wambui, said she tried to record what was happening when the police broke down their door.
“My mother and I were all alone in the house together with my grandmother, and we were telling the police, ‘Don’t shoot!’ We were hit and fell on the ground, and they were just trying to take our phones away,” Wambui said.
“They did not have a warrant, and we were just trying to protect our home. They forcefully gained access after we refused to open the door. It was quite a shocking experience.”
Mary Wambui, Jimi Wanjigi’s mother, called the incident unfortunate, especially since it happened just weeks after her husband passed away.
“I have known him since childhood, and he has never been criminal. We wish that everything that happens to him, everybody will open their eyes and see that he is innocent,” she said.
The family’s lawyer, Willis Otieno, reported that the police took several items, including an iPhone, an iPad, walkie-talkies, and a fuel receipt. He also said the police stole jewelry, money, watches, and other valuables.
Why did Police Raid Jimi Wanjigi Home?
On Thursday, Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli said the raid was triggered by finding teargas canisters inside a vehicle linked to Jimi Wanjigi.
“We wish to inform the public that today we intercepted a personal motor vehicle in Muthaiga at the residence of Jimi Wanjigi. In the vehicle, we have recovered four teargas cannisters, two Motorola gadgets, seven assorted chargers for the pocket phones, and one mobile phone. There is one arrest that has happened,” said Masengeli.
But Jimi Wanjigi denied ownership of the car.
By Vivian K.