A 25-year-old man has confessed to a series of thefts, including stealing cameras and other electronics worth over a million shillings from various individuals and institutions, including the Citam Church on Valley Road.
David Simiyu Wanyonyi, who appeared before Milimani Principal Magistrate Dolphina Alego Tuesday, revealed that his stealing spree began years ago while still in high school.
“I started stealing when I was in Kiambu High School in 2015, and I continued doing it even back in my village in Kitale,” Simiyu told the court.
His confession came with a tone of uncertainty, as he admitted not understanding why he repeatedly turned to theft.
“For sure, Your Honor, I really do not know why I steal. The only thing I’ve done with the money over the years is take care of my sister and do a course in driving.”
When questioned about the motive behind his criminal actions, Simiyu stated that he did not engage in drug use but instead stole to fund his social life.
“I don’t do drugs. I steal and sell the items to get money to spend partying with friends in clubs around Nairobi,” Simiyu explained, offering no further explanation for his repeated offenses.
Simiyu admitted to stealing cameras, which he would sell at a fraction of their original value.
“I steal cameras worth over Sh 500,000 and sell them for as low as Sh 50,000. And when I get the money, I never do anything important with it,” Simiyu confessed, reflecting on his life choices.
In response to Magistrate Alego’s probing, Simiyu revealed that he had no concrete plans or investments for the stolen money.
Simiyu is facing charges in three separate theft cases under Section 268(1) and Section 275 of the Penal Code.
The charges detail several offenses, starting with an incident on November 26, 2023, when he stole two Sony cameras, two Canon cameras, and an iPad from the Citam Church on Valley Road, with the total value of the stolen items estimated at Sh 1.76 million.
On October 11, 2024, Simiyu committed another theft, stealing two Canon cameras worth Sh 230,000.
The most recent charge stems from an incident on November 28, 2024, when Simiyu broke into a shop at Giant Mall in Nairobi, stealing 21 cameras, 13 camera lenses, batteries, and chargers, with the total value of the stolen goods exceeding Sh 600,000.
Simiyu admitted that the stolen goods were often sold at a low price, making it harder for authorities to trace them.
Magistrate Alego expressed concern over Simiyu’s repeated offenses but acknowledged the complexity of his actions.
“It is troubling to hear that you keep stealing without any real purpose for the money you gain,” the magistrate remarked.
The magistrate detained Simiyu until Monday, December 30, 2024, for the prosecution to avail CCTV footage, mitigation, and sentencing.
