Widow ‘stole’ from dead kin of Uhuru

A mortuary attendant was Thursday charged with stealing jewellery from the bodies of President Kenyatta’s nephew and his fiancée, who were killed in the Westgate terror attack.

Ms Rose Oyungu, a 54-year-old widow, denied stealing a golden watch and mobile phone valued at Sh115,000 from Mr Mbugua Mwangi’s body at City Mortuary on September 21.

In another count, she was accused of stealing a golden ring, a golden necklace and a mobile phone— all valued at Sh225,000— from the body of Ms Rose Wahito, Mbugua’s fiance, on the same day.
Mr Mwangi’s and Ms Wahito’s lives were cut short by terrorists’ bullets in the mall attack, which claimed 67 lives and left 175 others injured, on September 21.

The two lovers had gone to the mall to shop for their wedding when terrorists struck at midday firing indiscriminately.

Their bodies were taken to City Mortuary and then moved to the Lee Funeral Home.

The prosecution told the court to consider that the accused stole from bodies she was supposed to preserve.

“It is unfortunate that an African can steal from the dead. This suspect can abscond if released on lenient bail terms,” prosecutor Wycliffe Sifuna told the court.

But the defence argued that the accused offered essential services to the nation — being the first female mortuary attendant — and should not be subjected to stringent bail terms.

Lawyer Abwao for the accused told the court that the suspect was a widow and a mother of six children who required her care.

“I urge this court to acknowledge the fact that the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty,” Mr Abwao said.

The magistrate released her on Sh200,000 bail or an alternative bond of Sh300,000 and surety.

The case will be heard on November 25.