Trader takes on DCI for impounding his goods

A Nyahururu-based businessman has sued the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for illegally holding his goods worth millions of shillings.

Moses Macharia Kigo’s case against the DCI, filed at the High Court in Nairobi, is a continuation of a long-running battle with authorities over contraband goods.

Mr Kigo has previously been arrested and released after the court found his consignment of sugar, rice and green grams genuine.

Kigo accuses the DCI of working with his business rivals to impound and detain his 13,336kg of sugar and 1,295kg of rice in disregard of a court order.

Through lawyer Gitobu Imanyara, Kigo, the proprietor of Mugo Supermarket in Nyahururu town, claimed he has been subjected to massive losses by the investigators' unjustified actions.

“The DCI is demonstrating the worst disrespect not only to the Judiciary but also to the rule of law," Mr Imanyara said.

"He has failed to fulfill his mandate and is acting with impunity as if he is above the law.”

The businessman’s woes started in September last year when detectives raided his supermarket, confiscated goods, arrested and charged him with seven offences of selling fake and substandard goods.

He now wants orders to compel the DCI to release his goods and criminal charges against him dropped.