In a dramatic turn of events, a significant police presence sealed off the Muthaiga home of businessman Jimi Wanjigi on Thursday afternoon August 8, 2024, raising questions about the motives behind the operation.
The police arrived at Wanjigi’s residence around 4:30 PM, just as a Toyota Prado TX was approaching the gate.
The vehicle, unable to enter due to the closed gate, stopped as its occupants fled the scene before police could intervene.
The contingent of both uniformed and plainclothes officers began inspecting the vehicle and removed several items from inside while being recorded by the media.
Subsequently, a tow truck was called to haul the vehicle away, and crime scene tape was used to seal off the entrance to Wanjigi’s home, indicating the seriousness of the operation.
Wanjigi’s son, Maina Wanjigi, along with the family’s lawyer, Nelson Osiemo, condemned the police action as a witch hunt.
Speaking to reporters, Maina expressed disappointment but not surprise.
“It is not shocking; it is not the first time we’ve been raided. It seems whenever we are a threat to them, they decide to raid us. But this is all in the spirit of political freedom. Why is it that when you express an opinion against the government, you have to be victimized like this?” Maina lamented.
Osiemo echoed the sentiment, noting his lack of clarity about the police’s motives.
“It is just police harassment, he has faced this before so we are prepared for any eventuality. I believe this is all politics,” Osiemo remarked.
“I arrived 10 minutes ago, and they have not told me anything. They are still doing their work. I asked where the vehicle was taken, and they said Central Police Station,” he added.
When questioned about whether the police action was connected to the ongoing nane nane protests, Osiemo could not confirm as the police had not formally charged Wanjigi.
He stated that he would address the media once the police filed charges against his client.
“We are waiting to see. We are giving them time to clear here, then we will go see them at the police station. We want to understand what the OB being written is so that we can address you (the media) about why they have taken that vehicle away,” Osiemo added.
The police’s raid on Wanjigi’s home comes amid heightened tensions in the country, as citizens express their frustrations over various political and economic issues.
As the situation unfolds, many are left wondering about the implications of such police actions on the broader discourse surrounding political dissent in Kenya.