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| Politician and businessman Jimi Wanjigi |
Politician and businessman Jimi Wanjigi has resurfaced from hiding after a two-day siege at his Muthaiga residence, which saw police officers conduct an operation that his family members and lawyers have termed as political witch-hunt.
Wanjigi, addressing the press at the said residence, told off the government and the police for what he termed as vandalizing his home and assaulting his wife and children in the process.
He looked back on a similar raid at the same home seven years ago that lasted for three days, saying the constant harassment by the men and women in blue should stop since all they have to do is issue summons for him and he will appear where directed.Wanjigi who, even then was not found by police and emerged on his own cognizance, jokingly told the security agencies that they will never be able to find him inside the house no matter how long they look, hence should stop wasting their time.
“Seven years ago, they looked for me in this house, they couldn’t find me. Even now, you’ll look for me in this house, you’ll not find me,” he said.
“So, please, msijaribu tena, you’re wasting your time. If you want me, it’s a simple summons and I’ll appear where you want me. Stop looking for me in this house, you’ll never find me.”
The businessman went ahead to state that the raid was politically motivated, noting that his stand on the Gen Z-led protests had seemingly rubbed him the wrong way with the powers that be.
He criticised President William Ruto for attempting to stifle his rights, dismissing claims that he has been funding the anti-government protests.
Wanjigi noted that he has only provided funds for the release of arrested protesters, however adding that if given the chance then to facilitate the demonstration by the youth then he would gladly do so.
“On June 18th when the first maandamano began, there was a request for money to help those who had been jailed. I publicly donated money to help money come out on bond, I even put it on my X feed that I had done so,” he said.
“Let me also add that if there were somewhere to fund them, I would fund them. If there is some channel, I can take the little money I have to make sure that they have water and toothpaste to handle this tear gas that is illegally thrown at them. Are they doing anything illegal? No. They’re exercising their democratic right.”
He added: “Siasa wanaume wanagombana nayo huko nje, you don’t bring it to somebody’s personal home. William Ruto we can gombana huko nje siasa, don’t bring it to my home. In this home, you have assaulted my wife, my Gen Z children, vandalized and stolen items…what has that got to do with the siasa we do out there? But my children are alive, there are very many children out there since the protests began in June that are dead, their mothers are still grieving. Why are you harming people’s children? Just because of expressing their political will and direction, as per Article 37, the right to demonstrate.”
By Ian Omondi