A Kiambu-based school teacher has been charged with stealing an electricity meter box valued at Sh5,000, the property of Kenya Power Company.
Mary Wambui Gitonga is facing four counts of stealing energy equipment, handling stolen property, carrying out electrical undertaking without a licence, permitting another person to carry out electrical installation work without and obstructing Kenya Power employees from discharging their duties.
While appearing before Milimani Law Courts Senior Principal Magistrate Dolphina Alego, Ms Gitonga was charged that on diverse dates, between January 1 2018 and August 17, 2023, at Karura ka Murimo, Kiambaa sub-county, Kiambu County, jointly with others not before the court, she willfully stole one pre-paid meter number 251647 valued at Sh5,000 under the control and property of the licensee.
The accused faced another count of permitting another person not duly authorized as an electrical worker or contractor to interfere with the electricity supply cable through which electrical energy is supplied without the consent of Kenya Power Company.
The accused denied all the charges filed against her by DC detective Corporal Nicholas Kangangi who is attached to Kenya Power to burst cartels who vandalize equipment and horde electricity.
The accused, through her lawyer, asked the court to grant her bond since has been out on a police cash bail of Sh10,000 and that she is therefore not a flight risk.
The prosecution did not oppose the plea. State prosecutor Ms Winnie Moraa informed the magistrate bail is a fundamental and constitutional right of every suspect and that the accused must be extended the same.
Ms Moraa however urged the magistrate to consider the nature of the charges while deciding on the terms of bond to impose on the accused.
In her brief ruling, Ms Alego directed the accused to deposit a cash bail of Sh50,000 or avail a bond of Sh100,000 with one surety of the same amount.
The magistrate directed the prosecution to supply the accused with copies of witness statements within a fortnight. Ms Alego fixed the case to be mentioned on September 28, 2023 for further directions.
