In a dramatic escalation, a multi-agency team raided the Muthaiga home of businessman and Safina Party leader Jimi Wanjigi on Thursday evening.
The raid, which lasted for nine harrowing hours, involved heavily armed police officers who forcibly breached the residence and conducted a violent search for evidence and Wanjigi himself.
The operation began around 5 pm, with police surrounding the property and demanding entry.
By 7 pm, the situation intensified as officers forcibly broke down doors and entered the house.
The search, described as excessive and traumatic by Wanjigi’s family, included the alleged assault of family members.
Maina Wanjigi, the businessman’s son, reported that officers beat him and his family, including his mother and sister, while they were on the floor.
“They kicked my mother and sister in the head while they were lying on the floor,” Maina Wanjigi recounted.
“I was beaten by five officers, while my mother and sister were forced to lie on the floor and were kicked in the head.”
During the search, officers confiscated various electronic devices such as iPhones, iPads, and walkie-talkies.
The family, captured in a distressing video, was heard pleading with the police not to use excessive force.
Wanjigi’s wife was notably heard crying out, “Don’t shoot me, do not shoot me in my house.”
The raid did not result in the arrest of Wanjigi, who was not found by midnight.
In response to the operation, the High Court has issued a temporary order barring the police from arresting or restricting Wanjigi’s movements.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye certified the matter as urgent and scheduled a hearing for August 16, 2024.
Wanjigi is required to serve the Inspector General of Police, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) by August 12.
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