Ezra Manyibe | 2 hours ago

Chief Justice Martha Koome has addressed an instance where a man appearing before an Eldoret Law Court was slapped with a Ksh10 million bond for allegedly stealing 181 kilograms of meat.

The ruling had been termed unfair by a section of Kenyans led by former Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi who sought to understand how such an alleged crime would attract a Ksh10 million bond.

In a statement, CJ Koome explained that contrary to reports in sections of the media, the matter before the court in Eldoret was not about 181 kgs of goat meat as alleged.

According to the judiciary, one Mr Jonathan Paul Mutua was charged with “Breaking into a building and committing a felony contrary to Section 306 (a) of the Penal Code on 25th June 2024" as per the Charge Sheet.

The Charge Sheet further reads that together with others not before the court (because investigations are still ongoing) they broke into Baniyas Club in Eldoret and stole items as per a list provided whose total value is over Ksh37 million.

The list referred to includes screens, electronics, sound systems, kitchen equipment and gas cylinders, office equipment, computers and printers, restaurant furniture, freezer, microwave, utensils, assorted meat, foods and drinks.

"The Alternative Charge is “Handling of Stolen property contrary to section 322(1)(2) of the Penal Code.” The Charge Sheet reads that in the course of stealing, one Mr. Jonathan Paul Mutua dishonestly retained some sound system-related electronics which are spelt out," CJ Koome explained.

"The magistrate exercised discretion and granted a bond of Ksh. 10 million in view of the total sum of Ksh. 37 million. The matter is still active and is therefore sub judice. The Judiciary assures the public of its commitment to upholding the rule of law and the Constitution," she added.

The incident occurred on Thursday last week during the anti-government #OccupyEverywhere protests.