Woman, 95, charged with stealing Sh900,000 in accrued rent
What you need to know:
- The prosecution alleges that between January 2000 and December 2014, at Masterways Properties Limited, Ms Wachira and others not before the court stole the money.
- The plot is situated on Ahero Street and its registered owners are Mr Mwangi Kimanga, Mr Kabuchui Macharia and Mr Gichuhi Macharia.
- The court proceedings had to be interpreted to her in Kikuyu because Ms Wachira speaks neither Kiswahili nor English.
An elderly woman was on Thursday charged in a Nairobi court with stealing Sh900,000 in accrued rent.
Ms Esther Nyambura Wachira, 95, is alleged to have committed the offence between 2000 and 2014. The cash was accrued rent for a plot in Shauri Moyo Estate in Nairobi, the court heard.
She denied the charge and was released on a Sh100, 000 bond.
The prosecution alleges that between January 2000 and December 2014, at Masterways Properties Limited, Ms Wachira and others not before the court stole the money.
The plot is situated on Ahero Street and its registered owners are Mr Mwangi Kimanga, Mr Kabuchui Macharia and Mr Gichuhi Macharia.
However, the current beneficiaries and complainants in the case are said to be Mr Peter Mwangi, Mr Francis Kabue and Mr Fredrick Mwangi, and not the other three.
“Considering your age, you should be released on a personal bond, with a surety of either your son or daughter. Stress to them that you must come to court, (and) if you don’t, you stand immediate arrest,” Chief Magistrate Daniel Ogembo told her.
The court proceedings had to be interpreted to her in Kikuyu because Ms Wachira speaks neither Kiswahili nor English.
The accused spent Wednesday night in the cells at the Kilimani Police Station before being produced in court. She was arrested at her home in Murang’a County.
“All is well. I was well taken care of in the cells last night,” she said outside the court.
Her lawyer, Mr Wangalwa Oudo, told the court that she suffers from arthritis, diabetes and hypertension.
SPEEDY HEARING
“We request that she be released on bond so she can get her medication. We also request for a Gikuyu translator and a speedy hearing. We do not want mischief with unnecessary delays,” Mr Oudo said.
Mr Ogembo directed her children to clear the bond on her behalf as well as ensure she comes to court whenever she is required.
The prosecution said Ms Wachira has another pending case regarding the same plot. The suit is said to have been filed in the High Court.
The magistrate said both cases would be mentioned on the same day when a decision would be made on whether they should be merged.
Four witnesses are set to testify against her in the latest suit.
The cases will be mentioned on July 30 to set her trial date.
