Court hands maize thieves two years in jail

A court in Nakuru sentenced two burglars to serve two years in prison after a trail of maize grain led a store owner directly to their home where they had stashed the stolen bags.

Those in court on Thursday were treated to laughter when the two suspects admitted to burglary charges, saying hunger had lured them into stealing two bags of maize.

Alex Kemboi and Jose Loreng appeared before Chief Magistrate Bernard Mararo accused of jointly breaking into Margaret Muitherero's stall and stealing two sacks of maize worth Sh5,000.

In the second count, they were charged with breaking into Musa Muyiya's house and stealing a bag containing a pair of trousers and a vest both worth Sh1,050. They also faced an alternative charge of handling stolen goods.

They are accused of committing the offence on December 29, 2019 at Namba Nane area in Rongai Sub-County, Nakuru.

The magistrate convicted Mr Kemboi and Mr Loreng on their own plea of guilty and sentenced them to serve two years in prison.

“I have listened to your mitigation but a deterrent sentence should be given. Both accused are sentenced to two years in prison. However, the sentences will run concurrently,” said the magistrate.

The facts read in court stated that Ms Muitherero found her store had been broken into and two bags of maize missing.

She also found lots of maize on the ground, along with a trail of grain that led to the accused's house. Upon entry, the sacks were found.

On his part, Mr Muyiya stated that he went home at around 9 pm from a church service and found that his house had been broken into and his bag missing.

While searching the home of the accused for the bags of maize, he found his missing bag.

The suspects were then arrested and taken to Menengai police station.

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In the same court, a man was denied bond after he refused to permit security officers to take his fingerprints at Kaptembwa police station.

Harun Sangol had been arrested for breaching the peace by ordering a local man, Simon Ombae, out of his house so that he could sleep with his wife.

He is accused of committing the offence on December 30, 2019 at Kapkures centre in Nakuru.

Mr Sangol denied both charges.

The prosecution opposed Mr Sangol's release on bond, saying he had refused to have his fingerprints taken.

The case will be mentioned on January 10, 2020.