Court extends orders barring Wanjigi’s arrest

The High Court has extended orders barring the arrest of businessman Jimi Wangi until December 8, 2017.

Issuing the ruling, Judge Chacha Mwita also declined a plea by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to set aside a Ksh.50,000 anticipatory bail issued to Wanjigi on Tuesday, October 17.

“I see no reasons to vary the bail terms, the affidavit filed by the DPP has not been responded to enable me to make a ruling,” ruled justice Mwita.

In an affidavit, the DPP claimed that there is reliable information on the commission of an offence, adding that the decision on whether or not to prefer criminal charges can only be made by the DPP at the conclusion of investigations and in accordance with the facts, evidence, the constitution and all relevant laws.

The office of the DPP further submitted that matters under investigations are very serious allegations and pose a serious threat to National Security and Public Service.

“The petitioner engaged in conduct which hindered, obstructed and impeded such investigations,” reads the affidavit.

Through lawyer Victor Mule, the DPP argued that it would be improper and inappropriate for the court to prevent, prohibit or stop any legally constituted Agency including the police from discharging its legal mandate.

Mule further asked the court to observe strict bond terms and order Wanjigi to post a substantial security together with sureties.

The DPP wanted the Ksh.50,000 anticipatory bail granted to Wanjigi set aside and be ordered not to leave the jurisdiction without notifying the National Police Service, DCI and the court.

The businessman, through his lawyers, moved to court on Tuesday as police laid a siege on his home in Muthaiga, Nairobi, and obtained temporary orders restraining police from arresting him or searching his premises.