National

By Standard Team | Sep. 12, 2024

The Wanjigi family says police took personal items worth millions of shillings during a raid on their Muthaiga home in August.

Among the most valuable items were luxury watches, high-end electronics, and expensive jewellery.

The family claims police seized a Patek Philippe Calatrava watch worth Sh1.3 million ($10,000) and a vintage Casio Dual Time Film watch valued at Sh260,000 ($2,000).

They also lost Cartier Pave Diamond Stud Earrings in both white and rose gold, along with other Cartier jewellery, altogether worth over Sh5.2 million ($40,000).

Other high-end items taken included several smartphones, Apple iPads, and Apple AirPods Max valued at Sh104,000 ($800). In total, the family claims the police walked away with a large collection of luxury goods and personal items.

Following the family's lawsuit, the High Court has now stepped in, temporarily halting any further police raids on the Wanjigi home.

High Court Judge Justice Joe M. Omido ruled that police cannot enter the residence or seize more property until the next hearing, set for September 24, 2024.

“Pending the hearing and determination of the Application, the Honorable 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,” read part of the court order seen The Standard.

Police have also been barred from any further harassment or assault against the family.

The Wanjigi family accused the police of targeting them due to the political activities of businessman Jimi Wanjigi.

They say the August raid was not the first, pointing to similar incidents in 2017 and 2022.

During the recent raid, the family claimed they were held inside their home without food for two days while police ransacked their belongings.

The family is demanding the return of all confiscated items, and the court is expected to give further directions on the matter later this month.

Wanjigi through his lawyers Otieno Ogolla and Co Advocates told the court that the repeated raids on his home and the repeated assault have not only caused damage to property belonging to the family but also caused and continue to cause them severe mental distress, anguish and trauma.

“As law-abiding citizens of Kenya, the Plaintiffs are entitled to and have a constitutionally-guaranteed entitlement to and legitimate expectation of quiet enjoyment of their family home and their privacy,” the lawyers said.