Businessman-cum-politician Jimmy Wanjigi has refuted claims that his arrest was linked to land wrangles claiming it is on the basis of his presidential aspirations.
Speaking to journalists at Kamukunji Police Station in Nairobi, he stated that the arrest was based on the remarks he made on Saturday while popularising his presidential bid.
Wanjigi accused some Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) top political figures of dishonesty.
“There is a bigger picture here and it has to do with elections, after all why is it that every election it is Jimi that is sought, 2017 I am being looked for, 2022 now suddenly, in between that there is no problem. It is about the elections. I am making the elections very uncomfortable for some people,” Wanjigi said.
He added that he was being “targeted” by those against his presidential bid pointing out a similar incident during the last general election where his Muthaiga home was raided over possession of illegal firearms.
“It has nothing to do with guns or properties or anything it is purely just a persecution, these are lies about crimes we know nothing about,” he added.
Wanjigi is expected to be arraigned in court today after spending the night in custody.
Director of Criminal Investigation George Kinoti, said the arrest is related to the fraudulent acquisition of land on General Mathenge Road where his Kwacha offices are located.
“It is true he is under arrest, and we are executing a warrant issued by the court,” Kinoti said.
Protesters pro Wanjingi yesterday arrived in three buses at the premises demanding access, forcing police to use teargas to disperse them.
The warrant issued by the High Court summoned his wife alongside six others to appear before the court over alleged fraud charges.
The suspects are facing a total of six counts, including: conspiracy to commit a felony, forgery of deed plans, forgery of grant, procuring execution of a company by false pretence, uttering a false document with intent to defraud and obtaining money by false pretence.
“Your charged that on June 21st 2018 at Nairobi City centre within Nairobi City centre jointly with intent to defraud obtained Sh 56M from Kenroid Limited by falsely pretending that you in a position to sell IR.NO.658000 LR.1870/11/200 deed plan No.175145 measuring 0.3314 Ha registered to Auream Limited” read the charge sheet in sixth count.
Wanjigi is seeking to run on an ODM ticket, but he has to battle it out with the party leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Over the weekend, Wanjigi vowed to fight for “democracy” in Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), remarks he said might have irked ‘some people.’
“We will not tire of fighting for democracy within the ODM Party. As a National party, members have the final say on who should represent them and that is non negotiable,” he said.