Businessman Jimmy Wanjigi has dramatically claimed that he is not the owner of a vehicle allegedly found with tear gas canisters during the Nane Nane demonstrations in Nairobi.
In a case filed at the Milimani Law Courts, Wanjigi argues that he is being framed as part of a political vendetta.
During a press briefing on Thursday, the Acting Inspector General of Police announced that they had discovered four tear gas canisters, two Motorola devices, seven assorted phone chargers, and one mobile phone in a vehicle parked at Wanjigi's gate.
"They forcefully kicked down the door. They hit us and abused us."
Jimi Wanjigi's daughter Wambui recalls her ordeal under the hands of the police.#K24Siasa pic.twitter.com/jOqlFLyCwi— K24 TV (@K24Tv) August 9, 2024Did you read this?
Following this development, the Acting Inspector General of Police has requested that Wanjigi surrender himself for questioning.
In response, Wanjigi now asserts that the vehicle in question does not belong to him or any of his associates, contrary to earlier reports.
"I believe that the IG has no legitimate grounds for arresting me or presenting myself to any police station as demanded or preferring criminal charges against me," he says.
Through advocate Nelson Osiemo, he has asked the court to grant him anticipatory bail pending any threatened arrest or charge by the police.
Also sought is an order stopping the IG from arresting him and curtailing his movement.
"Over the last few months, I have been subjected to untold mental and psychological anguish as police officers have been intimidating, harassing and trailing me," he said.
He says his freedom and right to privacy have been curtailed on the pretext that he is funding the Nationwide demonstrations.
"If this case is not heard expeditiously, I'm afraid my constitutional rights are likely to be put at risk," he says.
