Businesswoman Charged with Ksh 950K Theft, Malicious Damage in Kibera Court

A businesswoman has been charged with theft after allegedly stealing a collection of assorted items valued at Ksh 930,000 and malicious property damage.

Appearing before the Kibera court, Mary Waithira Gikonyo denied the charges leveled against her by the prosecution before Principal Magistrate Agnetta Ogonda.

The prosecution told the court that on March 22, 2025, along Kumbe Road, Hardy, within Lang’ata sub-county, within Nairobi county, with others who were not before the court, stole one gold jewellery watch, one iPhone 14, one Samsung Video Camera, Three HP laptops, two play station, two wall clocks all valued at Ksh 933,500 the property of Eric Munene.

In the second count, Gikonyo was charged with malicious damage to property contrary to the law. Waithira was charged that, on March 22, 2025, at Hardy along Kumbe Road within Lang’ata Sub-county, jointly with others who were not in court, unlawfully and willfully destroyed the main gate, broke doors to the main house, window panes, and CCTV cameras, all valued at KSh 325,000, the properties of Eric Munene.

Through his lawyer, John Swaka, Waithira pleaded for leniency, citing that she is not a flight risk and that she is willing to comply with the terms to be set by the court.

“Your honour, I pray for lenient terms considering that the accused is not a flight risk and she is willing to comply with terms to be set by this court,” the lawyer submitted.

State prosecutor Ismail Jama urged the court to deny the accused bail, and if bail is to be granted, impose reasonable terms that are commensurate with the offence committed.

“Your honour, I would request the court to deny bond to the accused because the officer investigating the matter is in the process of tracing the stolen items and the accused can interfere with investigations,” Jama submitted.

Jama added that despite the accused having the right to bail under Article 49 of the Constitution, it can be denied with compelling reasons by the prosecution.

In response, the defence urged the court to ignore the application by the prosecution, citing that no compelling reasons were given to support the sentiments.

The lawyer further stated that the matter arose from a matrimonial issue between the accused and the ex-husband, Ignatius Murage Thungutha.

In determination, the magistrate considered the application by the prosecution and the defence, noting that bail is a constitutional right of the accused unless there are valid reasons to deny the same.

“I have considered the application by both sides, and I hereby grant the accused person cash bail of Ksh 50,000 with one contact person,” the magistrate directed.

The magistrate further barred the accused person from contacting the officer investigating the matter, nor sending him short messages, unless through her counsel.

She scheduled the matter for mention on November 27, 2025, for pre-trial and directions.