Nairobi businesswoman charged with theft of jewellery, electronics worth nearly Ksh.1M

A Nairobi businesswoman has been arraigned before the Kibera Law Courts over allegations of stealing luxury electronic gadgets and jewellery worth close to Ksh.1 million.

Mary Waithira Gikonyo appeared before Principal Magistrate Agnetta Ogonda, where she denied charges of theft and malicious damage to property.

According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on March 22, 2025, at a residence along Kumbe Road in the Hardy area of Lang’ata sub-county.

Waithira, jointly with others not before the court, was accused of stealing high-end items belonging to one Eric Munene.

Among the alleged stolen property were a gold Casino jewellery watch, an iPhone 14, a Samsung video camera, three HP laptops, two PlayStations, and several designer wall clocks; all valued at Ksh.933,500.

The prosecution told the court that investigators are still tracing the stolen items, which they believe could be in the possession of the accused or her associates.

State Prosecutor Ismail Jama urged the court to deny bail, arguing that Waithira might interfere with ongoing investigations.

“The accused could compromise the recovery of the stolen items since the investigating officer is still pursuing critical leads,” submitted Jama.

However, Waithira’s lawyer, John Swaka, dismissed the prosecution’s position, saying there were no compelling reasons to deny his client bail.

He told the court that the case was being fueled by a domestic disagreement between the accused and her estranged husband.

“This is a matter arising from a matrimonial dispute. My client is not a flight risk and is ready to abide by any bail terms set by the court,” lawyer Swaka submitted

After hearing both sides, Magistrate Ogonda ruled that the accused be released on cash bail of Ksh.50,000, emphasizing that the right to bail is constitutional and can only be denied on compelling grounds.