Businessman Jimi Wanjigi and his wife Irene addressing the media at their residence, Muthaiga Nairobi, Wednesday, October 18, 2017. FILE PHOTO | DENNIS ONSONGO.| NMG
State wants Mr Wanjigi and his wife ordered to deposit their travel documents in court
Mr Wanjigi is being investigated over possession of illegal firearms.
On Tuesday last week, Mr Wanjigi through his lawyers obtained temporary orders stopping his arrest and destruction of his property.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has requested the court to restrict embattled businessman Jimi Wanjigi and his wife, Irene Nzisa, from flying abroad and increase their Sh50,000 bail.
Victor Mule, senior assistant DPP in court papers filed Monday, said the State does not have an objection to the grant of the bail but want it enhanced to reflect “the nature and seriousness of the offences” under investigations.
Mr Mule wants the couple ordered to deposit their travel documents in court.
“Owing to the seriousness of the offences under investigations, Mr Wanjigi and his wife should be ordered not to leave the country without prior notification to the National Police Service, Directorate of Criminal Investigations and authorization by the court,” Mr Mule.
“The cash bail of Sh50,000 granted by the court is inordinately low compared to the offences under investigations.
Mr Wanjigi is being investigated over possession of illegal firearms.
On Tuesday last week, Mr Wanjigi through his lawyers obtained temporary orders stopping his arrest and destruction of his property. He was also granted an anticipatory bail of Sh50,000.
Mr Wanjigi’s troubles started after police conducted a midnight raid at his resident in Malindi, Lamu County on October 16, and found guns and ammunition.
Mr Mule said that for the inspector general of police to discharge his “statutory mandate effectively and efficiently,” Mr Wanjigi must cooperate with investigators and present himself before the police for interrogation and statement recording.
He said the orders given on October 17, in the application filed by Mr Wanjigi, had paralysed investigations which were in progress.
Chief Inspector Joseph Gichuki stated that the raid at the Malindi home on October 16, leading to the discovery of the guns and ammunition, was conducted following a tip-off.
They later proceeded to Mr Wanjigi’s house in Muthaiga, Nairobi after obtaining a search warrant from the Chief Magistrate Court. They were however denied access into the house prompting them to use “reasonable force to gain access.”
