Businessman Jimi Wanjigi has been released on a personal bond of Sh10 million by a Magistrate’s Court, pending a ruling on whether his plea-taking will be deferred. The case involves allegations of Wanjigi being in possession of unlicensed firearms.
Chief Magistrate Susan Shitubi directed Wanjigi to deposit his passport with the court as a condition of his release. The ruling on the deferment of the plea-taking is scheduled for September 12.
Wanjigi’s legal team, led by Senior Counsel Paul Muite, along with Kalonzo Musyoka and Willis Otieno, argued for the deferment, claiming that their client’s rights had been violated. They cited a High Court order issued by Justice Bahati Mwamuye, which had stopped Wanjigi’s arrest and detention.
Muite contended that the current proceedings were flawed due to the existing High Court order, stating, “Allow the plea to be postponed to give us an opportunity to challenge the High Court for the reason that when he was arrested, there was a valid court order.”
Otieno, another member of the defense team, emphasized that the charges before the court are already the subject of ongoing proceedings in a petition before the High Court. He further criticized the police for ignoring and violating court orders, highlighting that when Wanjigi’s home was raided, the only items confiscated were iPhones, iPads, and three flags—none of which were related to the charges.
Otieno also pointed out that the raid was conducted without a search warrant and raised concerns about Wanjigi being held incommunicado with no access to communication.
The court will address these issues and make its ruling on September 12.
