Jimi Wanjigi sets record straight over firearms accusation

Businessman-turned-politician Jimi Wanjigi has denied accusations that he declined to surrender firearms in his possession as required by the State.

The Politician in a clarification on X  said the court in 2018 nullified a decision of the Firearms Licensing Board to revoke his firearms certificate number 5922.

The court decision is in reference to a petition filed in 2017. 

Wanjigi argues that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in November 2022 directed the DCI to obey court orders in relation to his firearms.

He, however, says that has not been obeyed to date.

The clarification came even as State House Official Dennis Itumbi on Monday denied claims that Wanjigi was arrested over links to Nane Nane protests.

Itumbi said the arrest was in relation to the revocation of his firearms license by the Firearms Licensing Board.

In the clarification, Itumbi shared a letter from Firearms Licensing Board boss Rashid Yakub revoking the firearm certificate issued to Wanjigi.

"Pursuant to Section 4(1) read together with Section 4(3)(b) of the Firearms Act, you are in possession of firearms without a valid/expired Firearms Certificate contrary to the law," Yakub said in a letter dated July 30, 2024.

"Further, vide Section 5(7)(a) of the Firearms Act, you are required to surrender the Firearm Certificate and all the Firearms under the said Certificate to the Firearms Licensing Board within fourteen (14) days of this letter. Be so advised."

The firearm in question, which the licensing board wants Wanjigi to surrender, has a registration number 9522.

Wanjigi was Monday arrested and detained at Kamukunji Police Station despite having obtained orders stopping his arrest.

Wanjigi had been summoned to record a statement from Nairobi Area DCI offices.

Accompanied by his legal team, he arrived at the Nairobi Area at about 2 pm during which he was arrested.