Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli has appealed to businessman Jimi Wanjigi to surrender to police moments after security officers raided his residence.
Addressing the press outside Jogoo House on Thursday evening, the police boss acknowledged the raid at Wanjigi’s Muthaiga home saying that detectives were still investigating the incident.
He revealed officers had already arrested one suspect and called upon Wanjigi to present himself before any nearest police station.
“There was one arrest and one motor vehicle managed to enter inside and they closed the gate. My appeal is that he (Wanjigi) surrenders to the nearest police station whatsoever,” he said.
According to the acting IG, Wanjigi is suspected of funding Thursday’s ‘Nane Nane’ demonstrations. He says that police trailed a motorcade belonging to the businessman towards his residence where one was intercepted outside the gate as others made their way inside the compound and the gate was closed.
“As we informed the public yesterday, our intelligence had indicated that there were security threats to our country, with criminals who had planned to infiltrate today’s demonstrations and cause havoc,” he stated.
“We wish to inform the public that today, we intercepted a personal motor vehicle Prado Model KDC 883R in Muthaiga, at the residence of Jimmy Wanjigi.”
A search of the vehicle has since led to the discovery of teargas canisters, police communication gadgets and other items.
There were also claims of grenades being found in the vehicle.
“In the vehicle, we have recovered 4 teargas canisters, two Motorola gadgets, seven assorted chargers for the pocket phones, and one mobile phone. Investigators are on the ground to ascertain more details,” he explained.
Sources within the police service said that the businessman allegedly funded and facilitated several protesters to be dropped off at the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).
The vehicle outside Wanjigi’s gate is said to be one of many that made the alleged drops.
It has since been towed to the Nairobi Central Police Station as investigations continue.
