Punjani to sue Mutyambai, DCI over Nyali home raid
By Sophie Njoka, September 2, 2019
Suspected drug baron Ali Punjani is today expected to file a suit at the High Court against the Inspector General of police Hillary Mutyambai, the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations over the raid at his Nyali home last month.
In an affidavit seen by People Daily, Punjani says the raid by police officers, under the supervision of the then Mombasa County Police Commander Johnstone Ipara, had damaged his reputation.
“The petitioner contends that the raid that was carried at his premises was an intrusion to privacy and was a gross violation of his fundamental rights as enshrined in sections,70,75,76 and 79 of the Kenyan Constitution,” reads part of the petition.
Ipara, who is listed as the second respondent, is now the Police Commander in Uasin Gishu County.
Others listed as respondents are Nyali sub-county police commander, Simon Thrikiwa, Seargent Patrick Lumbasi, Noah Sangut, Lilian Mutuku, Solomon Gachia, Anthony Muriithi, Josphat Kisingils and Solomon Gachia.
The tycoon says the operation was done out of malice and that the drug peddling claims by police had been concocted to embarrass him and destroy his reputation.
“The seizure of valuables and confiscation of personal documents, money, title deeds, vehicle logbooks cheque books among other valuables was a violation of my fundamental rights,” he says, adding that the arrest and detention of his wife and close relatives were inhuman and violated their constitutional rights.
Punjani is also seeking anticipatory bail to bar police from arresting him once he arrives in the country from India until the matter is heard and determined by the court.