Court frees businessman Jimi Wanjigi after dramatic arrest

Nairobi Chief Magistrate Bernard Ochoi released Wanjigi on grounds of conservatory orders issued on Tuesday by the High Court barring police from apprehending the businessman.

"In light of the submissions by the parties herein, it is noted that the high court issued conservative orders. Therefore this matter cannot proceed unless the petition is heard," said Magistrate Ochoi.

The same orders apply to Wanjigi's wife Irene Nzisa who had also been summoned in the case where they are accused of involvement in a land forgery matter.

"I direct that the accused person be set free. I also direct that the same applies to the 7th accused Nzisa," ruled the court.

However, the summons remains in force for the rest of the accused persons.

On Tuesday afternoon, a Nairobi court issued a warrant of arrest for Wanjigi over alleged conspiracy to commit a felony and forgery of a title deed.

The warrant was also issued against Wanjigi’s 7 other alleged co-conspirators among them his wife Irene Nzisa, Himanshu Velji Dodhia, Kaneez Noorani, Mohamed Hussein Noorani, Mohamed Hussanali, Kairu Augustine Thuo and John Nyanjua Njenga.

On Tuesday afternoon after police received an arrest warrant from Magistrate Benard Ochoi, another court document was being served; a restraining order by High Court judge Anthony Mrima barring the Inspector General and the Director of Public Prosecution from arresting and prosecuting Wanjigi.

Wanjigi was dramatically arrested on Tuesday after a day-long standoff at his offices where detectives had to break into one of the buildings at his offices where he had reportedly locked himself up.

He was locked up at Kamukunji Police Station and presented in court Wednesday morning but did not take plea.