Businesswoman charged with stealing property worth Sh1.2 million
Mary Waithira Gikonyo appeared before Kibera Principal Magistrate Agnetta Ogonda, where she denied two counts — stealing and malicious damage to property belonging to her estranged husband, Eric Munene.
A businesswoman accused of stealing items worth Sh1.2 million and destroying property in Lang'ata, Nairobi, has been released on a Sh50,000 cash bail by a Kibera court.
Mary Waithira Gikonyo appeared before Kibera Principal Magistrate Agnetta Ogonda, where she denied two counts — stealing and malicious damage to property belonging to her estranged husband, Eric Munene.
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According to the prosecution, on March 22, 2025, along Kumbe Road in the Hardy area, Gikonyo, jointly with others not before the court, allegedly stole valuables including a gold Casio wristwatch, an iPhone 14, a Samsung video camera, three HP laptops, two PlayStations, and two wall clocks — all valued at Sh933,500.
In the second charge, Gikonyo is accused of willfully and unlawfully destroying Munene's property worth Sh325,000, including a main gate, doors, window panes, and CCTV cameras at the Hardy residence.
Through her lawyer, John Swaka, Gikonyo pleaded for leniency, saying she was a law-abiding citizen and not a flight risk.
"Your honour, I pray for lenient bond terms considering the accused is not a flight risk and is willing to comply with all court directives," Swaka told the court.
However, State Prosecutor Ismail Jama opposed the release, arguing that the accused could interfere with ongoing investigations.
"The investigating officer is still tracing the stolen items, and releasing the accused at this stage may compromise the process," Ismail submitted, adding that bail could be denied under Article 49 of the Constitution if compelling reasons exist.
Swaka countered that the prosecution had not presented any such reasons, insisting that the case stemmed from a domestic dispute between Waithira and her former husband.
In her ruling, Magistrate Ogonda upheld the accused's right to bail, noting that no compelling grounds had been provided to warrant her detention.
"I have considered the arguments by both sides. Bail is a constitutional right unless there are valid reasons to deny it. I, therefore, grant the accused a cash bail of Sh50,000 with one contact person," the magistrate ruled.
The court further ordered Waithira not to contact or communicate with the investigating officer, either directly or through text messages, except through her lawyer.
The case will be mentioned on November 27, 2025, for pre-trial and further directions.
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