Businessman Jimi Wanjigi has moved to court seeking to have Acting Inspector General of Police (IG) Gilbert Masengeli and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss Amin Mohamed Ibrahim ordered to return items worth over Ksh.8.5 million (around USD 68,801) which were illegally confiscated from his residence on August 8, 2024.

In the court application, Wanjigi has listed 36 items including high-end smartphones, laptops, jewellery and cash which he claims were stolen from his home during a raid by police officers.

Wanjigi told the court that an iPhone 15 ProMax, an iPhone 14, two Samsung Flip 5 devices and a house communication gadget were illegally seized from his premises by authorities.

He also included an Apple laptop Serial No. CO2VK229HTD5, Apple i-Pad Serial No. DMPCXOIFNTH4, an Apple i-Pad Serial No. P7YG49F07K, an Apple i-Pad Serial No. DMPCTON6NTJ2 k, a Samsung tablet Serial No. R52T404WEGE and a DVR (HIKVISION Network Video Recorder Model DS-9632NI-18 Serial No. D05619843 on his list of missing items.

The jewelry collection featured several high-value pieces comprising Cartier items such as the Hoop Love Earrings in rose gold, valued at $2,080; the Juste Un Clou Ring in yellow gold, valued at $1,320; the Love Ring with three diamonds in yellow gold, valued at $4,100; and two pairs of Pave Diamond Stud Earrings, one in white gold and the other in rose gold, each valued at $9,400.

Wanjigi also listed a pair of Cartier Trinity Earrings valued at $2,000, and a Van Cleef and Arpels Mother of Pearl Vintage Alhambra pendant valued at $3,000.

Additional jewelry included an Elias Baguette Ring with diamond, valued at $1,000; Prada crystal embellished stud earrings, valued at $830; a Mejuri Slim Signet Ring valued at $208; a Mejuri Duo Beaded Stacker Ring valued at $48; a Mejuri Beaded Ring.

Other items include a Mejuri Gemstone Coil Ring, valued at $128, a Hermes Clic H Bracelet, valued at $700, a Patek Philippe Calatrava, valued at $10,000, a Casio Dual Time Film Watch Vintage, valued at $2,000 and Apple Air Pods Max, valued at $800.

Similarly, Wanjigi included a Bose Ultra open Earbuds (x2), valued at $800, a Bose quiet Comfort limited edition, valued at $300, a Sony wh-100 mx5, valued at $400, old Cut diamond Stud earrings, valued at $16,609 and 570 USD reportedly taken from Irene Wanjigi, Mary Wambui and one of Wanjigi’s staffers

“Pending the hearing and determination of the Application and Suit, the Court be and is hereby pleased to grant an Order directing the Respondents to return to the Plaintiffs/Applicants the following items illegally confiscated from the Plaintiffs,” the application reads in part.

“Pending the hearing and determination of the Application, the Honourable Court be and is hereby pleased to grant an Order restraining the Defendants or anyone acting under their instructions, behest, direction or authority from confiscating and/or destroying any property belonging to the Plaintiffs.” 

Wanjigi had moved to court seeking to block his arrest over involvement in the widely publicised ‘Nane Nane’ protests staged in Nairobi in August.

The former presidential candidate claimed that police teargassed him and pursued him to his home on 44 Muthaiga Road, and thereafter attempted to forcefully enter his residence to arrest him.

Wanjigi has also denied police reports that items including teargas canisters were allegedly seized from one of his escort vehicles outside his residence.

"The Applicant denies knowledge of the stated items and discovery, categorically stating that the motor vehicle in which they were discovered if at all, does not belong to him or any of his associates or affiliates as reported," he said in court papers.

The High Court subsequently issued orders barring the police from arresting and detaining Wanjigi.