Wanjigi was released together with his personal assistant David Kibe, who was arraigned in court alongside him.
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.
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.”
More to follow…