By Court News Reporter
A Nairobi businesswoman, Mary Waithira Gikonyo, has been charged with stealing valuables worth Sh1.2 million and maliciously damaging property belonging to her estranged husband, Eric Munene, in the Hardy area of Lang’ata.
Gikonyo appeared before Kibera Principal Magistrate Agnetta Ogonda, where she pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Charges and Allegations
According to court documents, the accused, together with others not before the court, is alleged to have stolen several high-value items from Munene’s residence along Kumbe Road on March 22, 2025.
The stolen items reportedly included:
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A gold Casio wristwatch
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An iPhone 14
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A Samsung video camera
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Three HP laptops
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Two PlayStations
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Several wall clocks
The total value of the stolen property was estimated at Sh933,500.
In addition, prosecutors said Gikonyo destroyed Munene’s gate, doors, window panes, and CCTV cameras valued at Sh325,000, bringing the total loss to over Sh1.2 million.
Defense Plea and Bail Terms
Through her lawyer, John Swaka, Gikonyo pleaded for lenient bail terms, describing her as a law-abiding citizen with no prior record and not a flight risk.
However, State Prosecutor Ismail Jama objected to her release, claiming she might interfere with ongoing investigations or intimidate witnesses.
Magistrate Agnetta Ogonda, in her ruling, noted that the prosecution had failed to provide compelling reasons to deny bail. She ordered that Gikonyo be released on a cash bail of Sh50,000 with one contact person.
Next Court Mention
The case is scheduled for mention on November 27, 2025, for pre-trial directions.
Meanwhile, investigations into the alleged theft and property damage continue.