Kenyan businessman and political strategist Jimi Wanjigi has filed a lawsuit to reclaim items worth Ksh 8.5 million (approximately USD 68,801) that police unlawfully seized during a raid on his home on August 8, 2024.
The court application, which names Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss Amin Mohamed Ibrahim as respondents, includes a detailed list of the confiscated items.
In the court documents, Wanjigi lists 36 high-value items that he alleges the authorities took. These include several high-end smartphones, such as an iPhone 15 ProMax, an iPhone 14, and two Samsung Flip 5 devices. Additionally, he claims that various Apple devices—an Apple laptop, several iPads, a Samsung tablet, and a HiKVISION DVR—were seized.
Wanjigi also details the loss of significant jewelry, including Cartier Trinity Earrings valued at $2,000, a Van Cleef and Arpels Mother of Pearl Vintage Alhambra pendant worth $3,000, and a variety of other high-value pieces such as a Patek Philippe Calatrava watch valued at $10,000 and a Casio Dual Time Film Watch Vintage worth $2,000. Wanjigi also noted that cash belonging to his wife, staff members, and himself was stolen, amounting to hundreds of dollars.
The application requests that the court order the return of these items and restrain the defendants from confiscating or destroying any further property belonging to Wanjigi.The suit also disputes reports that claimed police found teargas canisters in one of his escort vehicles, which Wanjigi denies.
READ ALSO:Jimmy Wanjigi addresses accusations of funding Protests
Accusations Against the Police
Wanjigi described the raid as part of ongoing harassment, alleging that police officers used unnecessary force and acted unlawfully. Speaking about the event, Wanjigi expressed his frustration: “They broke nearly everything in the house and stole money, jewelry, and electronics. This was an organized assault on my family.”
He also rejected the police’s claims that they found teargas canisters in one of his vehicles, calling the allegations baseless. He stated that the vehicle in question does not belong to him or anyone associated with him, describing the claims as a fabrication to justify the unlawful raid.
Despite the pressure, Wanjigi remains defiant, vowing to continue his fight against what he views as government overreach. The businessman, who has been a vocal critic of the Kenya Kwanza administration, has stated that he will not let ongoing attempts to silence him intimidate him.
Following the raid, the High Court issued an order preventing the police from arresting or detaining Wanjigi, giving him temporary reprieve as he continues to battle in court.