This archive report was first published on 19 November 2021.
On November 18, 2021, a Nairobi court made a landmark ruling that sent shockwaves through the Kenyan justice system. Director of the DCI George Kinoti was ordered to spend 4 months in jail for contempt of court.
The court's decision was made in a case filed by businessman Jimi Wanjigi, who is seeking the release of firearms confiscated from him in 2017 after the general elections. Wanjigi claims that the firearms are legal and were unlawfully taken from him.
According to the court order, Kinoti is required to surrender himself to prison within 7 days. The Police Inspector General has been ordered to enforce this ruling, and the warrant can be executed at any time, including after Kinoti leaves office.
Wanjigi's history with firearms has been called into question, with a police report revealing that he has had his firearm license revoked twice before the 2017 incident. Despite this, he managed to acquire at least 5 firearms, including 4 Glock Pistols, 2 assault rifles, and a Smith and Wesson.
However, police investigations revealed that only 5 of the firearms belonged to Wanjigi, with the other 2 belonging to other individuals. He was also found to be in possession of 688 rounds of ammunition.
Wanjigi's civilian license was revoked for a third time on January 30, 2018. The police believe that he is still in possession of more firearms, having acquired a total of 16 between 1997 and 2014.
