Four more charged over Sh80m bank heist
From left, Mr Zakaria Wanyama, Mr Philip Nashon Aroko, Mr Cyrus Murigi Kihoro and Mr Samuel Mulia Omullo at the Kibera Law Courts, on Thursday. They were charged with theft of Sh80 million from the Co-operative Bank of Kenya on October 1. Photo/PHOEBE OKALL
Two G4S Services Company Ltd managers, a taxi operator and another person were arraigned in court on Thursday in connection with the Sh80 million theft from the Co-operative Bank of Kenya in Nairobi.
Mr Cyrus Murigi Kihoro, an ATM manager, Mr Zakaria Wanyama, a Reconciliation manager, Mr Philip Nashon Aroko, a taxi operator and Mr Samuel Mulla Omullo were jointly charged with stealing Sh80 million from the bank.
The four appeared before Kibera senior principal magistrate Grace Nzioka and denied the charge. They were, however, granted a Sh3 million bond with surety in similar amount.
On Tuesday, Mrs Nzioka ordered police to arrest Mr Aroko, Mr Omullo and Stephen Ochieng’ Odhiambo after the State applied for their arrest. Mr Odhiambo is still at large.
The four, who were charged on Thursday, bring to 15 the number of people accused of stealing the money from the bank’s Haile Selassie Avenue branch on October 1.
Police have so far recovered Sh11.75 million, which is part of the Sh80 million heist. Prosecuting, Mr Francis Ndiema told the court that he intended to consolidate the case with three others on October 21 when it comes up for mention.
Mr Ndiema said the cases would be heard for two days from November 18.
Denied cash bail
Defence lawyers led by Paul Onduso and Gordon Ogolla applied for copies of witness statements and exhibits that the prosecution will rely on during the hearing. Their application was granted.
They also applied for cash bail, which the court declined to give. On Monday, Mr James Ongus Bango and Mr Kennedy Omondi were arraigned in court over the theft.
An Administration Police officer Joash Opiyo Jagero was last week the ninth suspect to be charged over the same offence. He denied the charge.
Six bank employees, a former CID officer and a G4S Security Services Ltd worker are facing the same charge.
The bank employees include Ms Mary Wangui Kimari, the operations manager, who was jointly charged with five of her colleagues, Ms Claire Wairimu Kabaru, Ms Eunice Wanaswa, Ms Priscilla Kahuya Jumba, Ms Celnael Atieno Midega and Mr Elvis Kipkorir Too.
Others are Mr Collins Omondi Sangoro, an employee of G4S Security Services Ltd and Mr Collins Okoth Atira, a former CID officer at Ongata Rongai Police Station, Kajiado District.
