A Nairobi businesswoman, Mary Waithira Gikonyo, was on Tuesday, October 30, 2025, charged in a Kibera court for allegedly stealing household items and maliciously damaging property worth close to one million shillings.
The charges stem from an incident that took place in Lang’ata’s Kumbe Road in March this year.
Waithira, aged 50, appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Agnetta Ogonda at the Kibera Law Courts, where she was formally read the charges.
She faced two counts: one for theft and the other for malicious damage to property. She pleaded not guilty to both charges.
According to the charge sheet, Waithira is accused, alongside others not yet in court, of unlawfully damaging property belonging to Eric Munene.
On March 22, 2025, the accused allegedly broke into their marital home in Hardy, Lang’ata, causing extensive damage.
This included the destruction of a main gate, a door to the house, several window panes, and a CCTV camera, collectively valued at Sh325,000.
In addition to the destruction of property, the businesswoman is accused of stealing valuable electronics and household items from her husband’s residence.
The stolen items include a gold jewelry watch (Casino brand), an iPhone 14, a Samsung video camera, three HP laptops, two PlayStation gaming consoles, and two wall clocks.
The total value of the stolen goods is estimated to be Sh933,500.
The overall financial loss from the incident amounts to Sh966,000.
During her court appearance, Waithira denied all charges, maintaining her innocence.
Through her lawyer, John Swaka, she requested the court to grant her leniency, emphasizing that she was a responsible citizen who had no intention of fleeing the jurisdiction.
“Your Honour, my client is ready to comply with all the terms to be set by this court. She is not a flight risk and will present herself whenever required,” Swaka told the court.
However, the prosecution, led by State Counsel Ismael Nyaribo, opposed the granting of bail, citing the possibility of Waithira interfering with witnesses as investigations into the case were still ongoing.
Nyaribo argued that there were valid concerns about the accused tampering with evidence or pressuring witnesses to alter their testimonies.
In her ruling, Magistrate Ogonda highlighted that the right to bail is constitutionally protected but may be withheld only on specific and valid grounds.
After considering arguments from both the defense and the prosecution, the magistrate granted Waithira bail but set the amount at Sh50,000.
“I have considered the applications by both sides. Bail is a constitutional right, and in the absence of compelling reasons, I hereby release the accused person on a cash bail of Sh50,000,” Magistrate Ogonda ruled.
The case, which is being filed under Criminal Case No. 991/2025, was brought to court after investigations conducted by Hardy Police Station.
The case will be mentioned again on November 27, 2025, for pre-trial directions.
