Caretaker in court for ‘stealing’ Sh500,000 rent
A caretaker who oversees about 1000 rental houses in various city estates has been charged with stealing half a million shillings meant for his employer.
Harrison Mungai Maina who at the time was managing properties owned by Kaags Investment Limited (KIL) was charged before Milimani chief magistrate Susan Shitubi.
Maina denied stealing Sh 526,904, an amount he reportedly received from tenants on diverse dates between January 2017 and June 14, 2020.
State prosecutor Nyakira Kibera told Shitubi the accused stole the money which he received from tenants in properties managed by other caretakers working under him.
The magistrate heard KIL owns and manages properties in Eastleigh, Mlango Kubwa, Ngara, Kariobangi South, Thika road and Mombasa road, among other areas in Nairobi.
The prosecution claims Maina was entrusted with the responsibility of supervising other caretakers who were managing the properties developed by KIL.
In the case presented before court on October 4, 2023, the accused allegedly received monies from tenants and failed to remmit to KIL.
The accused denied the charges and applied to released on board, saying he has been cooperating with the police since March 2023 when investigations commenced.
He promised to abide by the bond terms if handed temporary freedom.
He added that the offence underwhich he has been charged is bailable and that he is not a flight risk.
The prosecutor did not oppose the bail request by Maina saying bond is a constitutional right provided for under article 49 of the constitution for every suspect.
“I have no instructions to oppose bond. In any case, the accused has been out on a police bond of Sh100000,” said Kibera.
Kibera added that the accused cooperated with the Investigative officers who arrested him on March 3 2023.
The investigations have lasted over six months.
The prosecutor said four witnesses have been lineup to testify in the case,
“This case can be concluded within a day,” she said.
In her ruling the magistrate noted the prosecution has not opposed bond and the offence is bailable.
She proceeded to grant Maina a bond of Sh 500,000 with one surety of the same amount.
She also granted an alternative cash bail of sh 120,000 with two contact persons.
Mrs Shitubi fixed the case for pre-trial on October 16th 2023.
The accused was remanded in custody as his relatives organized to raise the bond .
The case will be mentioned on October 16 2023.
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