A middle-aged man was on Tuesday sentenced to serve two years in prison after being found guilty of stealing assorted household goods.
Michael Mwangi was charged that on December 7, 2024 at Kaweru area in Murang’a East Sub County he stole a 120-litre metallic water tank, four chicken and four pairs of shoes all valued at Sh20,600, property of Jeremiah Wanderi.
Initially, Mwangi pleaded guilty to only stealing the tank denying responsibility for the other mentioned items.
The complainant told the court that he found his metallic container at the shop of a scrap metal dealer who said he bought it from Mwangi.
Wanderi added that the accused is a neighbour saying he had a history of stealing within their village while Julius Magu, the accused’s brother, reiterated saying he had stolen properties from their home.
Magu said accused was an alcoholic, a condition suspected to have forced him to steal to sustain the habit.
The accused’s father corroborated a social assessment report presented before the court by probation office saying the accused had frustrated them at home and that on several occasions there have been lynching attempts for allegedly stealing from the community.
Mwangi’s family requested the court to have him serve a custodial sentence so as to have peace at home and for his protection from members of the community who were baying for his blood.
“Given these factors, it is clear that the offender is not suitable for non-custodial sentence nor likely to benefit from rehabilitation measures outside of incarceration. I therefore recommend the matter to benefit others,” said Kanyinga Kathure, a probation officer.
In his mitigation, the accused pleaded with the court to give him a non-custodial sentence to enable him to reform and engage in meaningful work.
Peter Ndwiga, Chief Magistrate, dismissed his plea citing his history as a repeat offender and nuisance to both his family and the community and therefore ruled that a custodial sentence is suitable for him.
“The court has weighed all the information provided and for your safety and the peace of the family and the community you will serve two years imprisonment,” said Ndwiga.
By Bernard Munyao and John Kithuku
