On the night of August 8, armed police officers forcibly entered the residence of politician Jimi Wanjigi in Muthaiga, following the interception of one of his vehicles earlier in the day. The raid, which involved breaking through the main door of the house, caused significant damage as officers searched through various rooms. According to Wanjigi’s lawyer, Willis Otieno, the police did not provide any notification or explanation regarding the purpose of the raid or the items they were seeking.
Multi-Agency Operation Without Search Warrant
The operation reportedly involved a multi-agency team, including the General Service Unit (GSU) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), who conducted the search without a warrant. At the time of the raid, Wanjigi’s whereabouts were unknown, although Acting Inspector General of Police (IG) Gilbert Masengeli had requested him to report to the nearest police station. The raid followed Masengeli’s announcement that investigators were at Wanjigi’s residence to gather further details after intercepting a vehicle linked to him.
Items Recovered and Arrest Made
During the raid, the police recovered several items from the intercepted vehicle, including four teargas canisters, two Motorola gadgets, seven assorted phone chargers, and one mobile phone. An arrest was made in connection with the operation. Acting IG Masengeli confirmed these details and noted that another vehicle had managed to enter Wanjigi’s compound before the police could intercept it.
Political Motivations and Past Incidents
Jimi Wanjigi’s son, Maina, expressed frustration with the repeated raids on their family home, suggesting that such actions occur whenever they challenge the government. Wanjigi’s lawyer also alleged that the raid was politically motivated, pointing out that the politician has faced similar situations before. Despite this, the lawyer did not disclose Wanjigi’s current location but promised to provide an update soon.
Context of the Raid
Jimi Wanjigi has been a vocal critic of President William Ruto’s administration and a supporter of the Gen Z-led Nane Nane protests, which took place on August 8. Wanjigi has criticized both the current and previous administrations for economic mismanagement and excessive borrowing. The protests were aimed at advocating for better governance, and Wanjigi’s involvement has made him a target of scrutiny.
Police Response to Nane Nane Protests
During the Nane Nane protests, the police arrested 174 individuals nationwide, with arrests occurring in Nairobi, Kitengela, and Emali for attempts to disrupt the peace. Acting IG Masengeli noted that the protests had a lower turnout compared to previous demonstrations and were largely peaceful, except for minimal skirmishes in Nairobi, Kisii, and Migori. The police also reported that the protest organizers failed to notify security organs as required by law.
