Timelines: Inside Jimmy Wanjigi’s house raid

On Monday, October 16 police raided Jimmy Wanjigi’s palatial mansion in Muthaiga after police recovered guns in a Malindi house believed to be his.

The heavily armed multi-agency team arrived at the Malindi house early morning and ransacked the home. They recovered five AK 47 guns and several rounds of ammunition.

Hours later they raided his Muthaiga home and recovered seven guns; 5 pistols, one shotgun and a military grade M4 assault rifle. They also recovered 600 rounds of ammunition.

The 72 hour siege has attracted a lot of attention from Kenyans and below is a breakdown of the events as they happened.

Monday 6AM: Detectives raid Jimmy Wanjigi’s Muthaiga home a few hours after the police recover five AK 47 guns and several rounds of ammunition in a house Malindi believed to belong to the businessman.

Monday, 3PM: NASA leaders, led by Siaya Senator James Orengo arrive at the home and declare that police did not have a search warrant. Leave saying they did not meet with the businessman. Wanjigi’s father Maina Wanjigi, arrives.

Tuesday 11AM: Another multi-agency team comprising of detectives drawn from the Special Crimes Unit, the General Service Unit (GSU) and Flying Squad officers arrive at the residence wielding bolt cutters, sledge hammers and metal cutting equipment. Wanjigi is believed to be holed up in a bunker somewhere in the mansion. They spend the entire day trying to break into rooms where they believe Wanjigi is hiding.

Tuesday 2PM: Government spokesperson Eric Kiraithe in a press conference says the raid on Wanjigi’s house was “in the best interest of national security” calling him a “nefarious criminal”.

Tuesday 3PM:  Through his lawyers James Orengo, Otiende Amollo and Jackson Awele, Wanjigi moves to court and sues Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett and Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko for the raid citing lack of a warrant and police harassment.

Tuesday 5PM: Wanjigi gets temporary reprieve after High Court Judge Justice Chacha Mwita blocks the businessman’s arrest, grants him a 50,000 bail. Orengo goes to the home but is denied entry and tapes the court warrants on the fence before leaving.

Tuesday 6PM: Police recover seven guns and 600 rounds of ammunition from Wanjigi’s home. Five pistols and shotgun licenced but military grade M4 assault rifle, according to police is not.

Tuesday 8PM: Opposition leader Raila Odinga arrives at the businessman’s residence, confrontation with police ensues but they let him in and spends the night.

Wednesday 6AM: Police finally vacate the residency.

Wednesday 8AM: Wanjigi comes out of hiding and poses for a selfie with friends.

Wednesday Noon: Wanjigi and his wife, in the company of NASA principals hold a press conference in his home and condemn the raid terming it as “persecution by the state for supporting the National Super Alliance.”