Acting Police Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli has called on businessman Jimi Wanjigi to surrender himself to the nearest police station, linking him to the ongoing nane nane anti-government demonstrations.
In a press briefing on Thursday evening August 8, 2024, Masengeli revealed that police had recovered teargas canisters, Motorola communication devices, among other items from a Toyota Prado confiscated at the entrance of Wanjigi’s Muthaiga home.
“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,” Masengeli stated.
He continued, “We wish to inform the public that today we intercepted a personal motor vehicle Prado model KDC 883R in Muthaiga at the residence of Jimi Wanjigi. In the vehicle, we have recovered 4 teargas canisters, 2 Motorola gadgets, 7 assorted chargers for the pocket phones, and one mobile phone.”
Masengeli emphasized that investigations are still ongoing, with officers on the ground working to uncover further details.
“Investigators are on the ground to ascertain more details,” he said.
He also confirmed that one person had been apprehended during the raid, although another vehicle managed to enter Wanjigi’s compound before the gate was shut, locking out the police and the Prado that was seized.
“There is one arrest that happened there, but still there is one motor vehicle that managed to enter the compound, and they closed the gate,” he said.
The acting Inspector General made a direct appeal to Wanjigi, urging him to surrender to the nearest police station.
The acting IG further asked Wanjigi to surrender to the nearest police station.
“Our appeal is that he surrenders to the nearest police station whatsoever,” he said.
174 protesters arrested
Masengeli also addressed the wider nane nane protests, reporting that a total of 174 protesters had been arrested across the country, with 126 detained in Nairobi alone.
He noted that, aside from an injured officer in Nairobi, most parts of the country remained peaceful.
“Unlike the recent demonstrations that were marred with wanton destructions of property, looting, injuries and loss of lives, today the country remained peaceful and normalcy prevailed, except in Nairobi where one officer was injured. We also arrested a total of 174 suspects that is, 126 in Nairobi, 22 in Kitengela-Rift Valley and 26 at Emali-Makueni County,” he said.
Adding that; “Despite failure by conveners of today’s demonstration to notify the Police of their intention to hold the demonstration, we ensured adequate deployment of security personnel and cautioned members of the public to avoid crowded areas that were likely to turn riotous.”
As investigations continue, the police remain vigilant in their efforts to maintain order amidst a tense political climate.
