City tycoon Jimi Wanjigi was on Wednesday discharged from taking plea in the land fraud case facing him until an application he filed at the High Court is heard and determined.

Presiding magistrate Bernard Ochoi, while issuing the orders, said the prosecution had in deed confirmed Wanjigi had gotten a court order barring his arrest and prosecution.

Ochoi noted that his court could not proceed with the criminal case until a decision is made by the High Court, owing to the order issued by Justice Anthony Mrima.

Wanjigi’s lawyer, Willis Otieno, told the court the Inspector General of the Police and Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) were served with the orders barring his prosecution.

But the magistrate directed that the other accused persons in the land fraud case, save for Wanjigi’s wife Irene Nzisa, appear before the court for a mention of the case on January 4.

Jimi Wanjigi.  PHOTO/COURTESY

The businessman’s case at the magistrate’s court will be mentioned on March 18 the progress made in the High Court will be established.

Supporters of the city mogul were earlier on Wednesday dispersed at the Milimani Law courts by a contingent of police officers using teargas after they became unruly.

Jimi Wanjigi. PHOTO/COURTESY

He was arrested on Tuesday and held at Kamukunji police station after an 18-hour siege at his Kwacha House offices in Westlands, Nairobi by officers from the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) and the DCI on Monday.

Wanjigi alleges political witch-hunt but DCI is keen on having him charged with fraudulently acquiring a parcel of land on General Mathenge Road where his Kwacha offices are situated.