Photo: Courtesy
The children of businessman Jimi Wanjigi have described a traumatic experience with police officers that occurred on the evening of Thursday, August 9.
Wanjigi’s eldest child, Maina, stated that the officers arrived at their home and forcibly entered by breaking down the door.
How police roughed up Jimi Wanjigi’s family
The officers then dragged everyone from their beds as they began their search.
The officers did not tolerate any resistance, resorting to violence against anyone who opposed them.
Maina reported that about five officers beat him before turning their brutality towards his sister and mother. Despite their compliance, they were forced to lie on the floor and were still attacked.
“They arrived around 7 pm, broke down the door, and forced their way in. I was beaten by five officers. Once inside, they assaulted my sister and mother, ordering them to lie on the floor and kicking them in the heads. We had no choice but to cooperate as they conducted a thorough search,” Maina recounted.
Wanjigi’s daughter, Wamboi, described the police’s actions as humiliating but said the experience reinforced their commitment to support their father.
“We are here to protect him; we love him. I have never felt prouder to be Wanjigi’s daughter than I do today,” she said.
Wanjigi’s lawyers revealed that the officers conducted two searches at the home without a warrant, causing significant damage and taking valuables including money, phones, iPads, and watches. Despite their efforts, Wanjigi was not found during the searches.
Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli reported that a suspicious vehicle was seen speeding and parking right outside Wanjigi’s home.
It was alleged that the occupants of the vehicle disembarked and entered the compound just moments before heavily armed police officers arrived.
The police subsequently cordoned off the area with yellow tape, indicating that it was a crime scene.
The officers, including those from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), searched the suspicious vehicle and reportedly found police communication gadgets and four teargas canisters, among other items.
However, Wanjigi’s lawyers dismissed these discoveries, claiming that the items were planted by the police.
On the morning of Friday, August 9, forensic detectives from the DCI set up camp at the home.
Jimi Wanjigi’s woes with government
The businessman has recently been outspoken against the current regime, accusing it of burdening Kenyans with a massive debt exceeding KSh 10 trillion.
Wanjigi argues that it is unlawful for Kenyans to be held responsible for loans that were allegedly fraudulently acquired during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration.
He was also a prominent supporter of the recent Gen Z-led protests against the state, which may be why security agencies are targeting him.
