Jimi Wanjigi: DCI raided my home to intimidate me on Saba Saba Day
By Kenneth Mwenda, July 7, 2025Businessman and political figure Jimi Wanjigi has sparked fresh controversy after stating that officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) stormed his home on Monday morning, July 7, 2025, as Kenyans marked the 35th anniversary of Saba Saba.
Posting on his official X account, Wanjigi accused President William Ruto’s government of using state agencies to silence dissent.
“DCI at my home today Saba Saba! All this stupidity has to stop! Ruto must resign. All this intimidation shall not make you legitimate, the people ousted you long time ago!” he wrote.
His remarks come amid heightened political tension, with a heavy security presence reported across major cities to deter planned demonstrations led largely by Kenya’s Gen Z. Civil society groups and human rights organisations have raised alarms over what they describe as the growing militarisation of civic spaces and a clampdown on peaceful assembly.
Wanjigi’s statement adds to a chorus of criticism accusing the state of reverting to tactics reminiscent of Kenya’s one-party past, a history that the original Saba Saba movement stood firmly against.
Officials defend security measures
Earlier in the day, Deputy Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli told journalists that access to Nairobi’s CBD was open to all, despite widespread reports of roadblocks, barricades, and citizens being turned away.
“Everybody is getting into the CBD, everybody is going for duty as normal, no worries,” Masengeli said.
However, multiple spot checks and footage from journalists contradicted his statement, showing heavy police presence along key roads including Wayaki Way, Ngong Road, Thika Superhighway, and Valley Road.
Meanwhile, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei defended the security deployment, praising it as necessary for preserving order.
“The heightened security in Nairobi CBD and across the country by security apparatus is to ensure normalcy, protection of property and lives by preventing criminals, goons and economic saboteurs from taking advantage of today’s Saba Saba anniversary,” Cherargei wrote on X.
He also dismissed calls for protest, arguing that the goals of the original Saba Saba struggle were already fulfilled through the 2010 Constitution.
“Unlike now, where anarchists and political opportunists are plying their trade of lawlessness, looting, maiming, killings, coup and economic sabotage, this must come to a stop!” he added.