Thika court holds Bidco theft session outside police station

A Thika court hearing a case in which six employees of  Bidco Oil Refineries are charged with theft was on Thursday held its afternoon session outside a local police station. Principal magistrate M.Mutuku moved the court to the Thika Police Station following an application by prosecutor Shadrack Mbila.

Mbila wanted the prosecution to produce exhibits to the court so that they could be released back to Bidco. Defence counsel Mbiyu Kamau and Japheth Mutai did not objects to the application. During the one hour open air court session, the exhibits were verified, photographed before the court ordered they be released to owner.

Charles Njiru Karimi, Stephen Mwai Kirubi,Joshua Kibet Kirui,Anthony Murigi Kiarie,Francis Njihia Muchene and Luka Nyangina Ogweno are accused of stealing goods worth Sh113,725 from the company on June 5. The case will be heard on July 12. At bidco oil refinery company in Thika, Kiambu county, jointly  being employees of the said bidco company ,stole from the said bidco oil refineries assorted brands of oil, assorted brands of soap,68 plastic containers and 31 sachet all valued at kshs 113,725 the property of bidco oil refineries company which came to their possession by virtue of their employment.

The accused who denied the offense are out on bond. The case was fixed for hearing on July 12. The accused who are loaders and drivers were allegedly nabbed after stealing the loot and concealing the same in two motor vehicles Reg No.KAW 088N and KAW 082N that were ferrying waste from the refineries. The items were allegedly concealed under the waste. They were removed from the waste during the court session. Members of the public watched from the fence the rare court proceeding and production of the stolen exhibits.