Businessman Jimi Wanjigi has secured a significant legal victory after the High Court issued an urgent ruling on August 9, 2024, preventing the police from arresting him. The court's decision came after Wanjigi argued that the police had no legitimate reason to detain him, following accusations linked to the recent Nane Nane protests in Nairobi.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye, who presided over the case, deemed it urgent and issued a conservatory order that bars the police from detaining, arresting, or restricting Wanjigi’s freedom of movement. The order also directs the police to release him immediately if he is already in custody.
Wanjigi's legal team argued that the police actions were intended to intimidate him and lacked a lawful basis. They claimed that the attempts to arrest Wanjigi were meant to embarrass him and cause unnecessary psychological suffering.
Wanjigi has been an outspoken critic of the current government, particularly its management of national debt. His involvement in the recent Gen Z-led protests has put him at odds with security agencies, leading to the ongoing legal battle.
The High Court’s ruling provides temporary relief for Wanjigi, with the case set to be mentioned again on August 16, 2024, for further deliberation