Eight men have been charged again with stealing Sh449.6 million from NCBA Bank even after they were released in another court on bail.
As soon as Peter Gitahi Wambui, Isaac Kipkemoi, Moses Rono, Collins Kipyego, Maxwell Njamba, Edwin Kipkorir, Gideon Kipkirui and Gideon Kipkoech acquired their freedom from Magistrate Ondieki,on almost similar charges, they were charged again at Magistrate Susan Shitubi’s Court.
They are accused of stealing the money through a mobile overdraft facility known as Fuliza.
Magistrate Ondieki had ordered them to deposit a cash bail of Sh 200,000 each and deposit their travel documents in court.
He also ordered them to be reporting to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations every Friday of the week for further analysis.
Before magistrate Shitubi, they denied several counts of stealing, conspiracy to steal, engaging in organized criminal activities, and possession of stolen property, including identity cards and motor vehicles.
They were charged that they jointly conspired with others not before the court to steal Sh449,647,200 from NCBA Bank. They allegedly committed the offence between January 1 and July 4, 2022.
The court heard that the suspects were arrested in Nakuru and Kitale for stealing the money with no intention of repaying the money.
Mr Gitahi, who was arrested in Kitale, was also found in possession of 14 Safaricom registering machines (MoBiGo) and 10 identity cards.
Their lawyer Felix Kiprono and Ham Lagat,the accused pleaded with the court to be released on favorable bond terms saying that they are men of low income.
“Many of the accused persons are students and have no intention of running away after being freed, “added Langat.
Kiprono urged the court to consider that the accused are still presumed innocent until proven guilty.
He urged the magistrate to consider bail and bon guidelines while delivering his ruling on bond adding that the offense is bailable.
The court will decide whether to release them on bond on Wednesday, February 15
