Bond for Eldoret man in Sh37 million loot case cut to Sh150,000

The High Court in Eldoret has reviewed the bond of a man charged with stealing goods worth Sh37 million.

Initially, the man had been granted a bond of Sh10 million in the case. However, on Wednesday, the high court in Eldoret reviewed the bond to Sh150,000 with one surety and in the alternative, cash bail of Sh200,000.

"The applicant is, in the meantime, admitted to bail/bond and released from custody on reviewed/revised terms from those imposed by the trial Court, namely, the bond of Sh150,000 with 1 surety and in the alternative, cash bail of Sh 200,000," Justice Wananda John Robert Anuro said in a statement.

The judge further cautioned against any disobedience or non-observance of the order of the court served.

The accused person Jonathan Paul Mutua was charged with breaking into a building and committing a felony contrary to Section 306 (a) of the Penal Code.

The offence was allegedly committed on June 25, 2024, at Kibulgeny Location in Soy Sub-County in Uasin Gishu County.

The charge sheet read that together with others not before the court, they broke into Baniyas Club Square and allegedly stole items as per a list provided whose total value was Sh37,093,690.

The list referred to, included screens, electronics, sound systems, kitchen equipment and gas cylinders, office equipment, computers and printers, restaurant furniture, freezer, microwave, utensils, assorted meat, foods and drinks.

The charge sheet read that in the course of stealing, Jonathan Paul Mutua allegedly dishonestly retained some sound system-related electronics which were spelt out.

The man denied having committed the offence.

"The matter is still active and is therefore sub judice. The Judiciary assures the public of its commitment to upholding the rule of law and the Constitution," the Judiciary stated.

Sub judice means a particular case or matter is under trial or being considered by a judge or court.