By WAINAINA NDUNG’U
A 16-year-old girl charged together with her parents startled the court when she admitted stealing about $5,000 (Sh420,000) from an American.
The girl appeared before Nyeri Senior Resident Magistrate Christine Wekesa with her mother and father for the crime allegedly committed last Friday at the up market Ring Road Estate in Nyeri town.
To the surprise of many, the minor admitted committing the offence and an alternative count of handling stolen goods by retaining $4,400 (Sh365,200) part of the money but her parents denied committing both offences.
Evidence destroyed
The mother also denied a separate charge of destroying evidence likely to be used in court the same day at Majengo Estate in Nyeri. The prosecution claims she destroyed assorted clothes while knowing they were to be used as evidence.
Other items they are alleged to have stolen are a travelling suitcase which together with the money are estimated to be worth Sh586,810.
Chief Inspector Stansleous Mwangi told the court the complainant had arrived at her house last Friday and rested her suitcase in the corridor between the kitchen and bedroom.
“When she came from the bedroom, she could not find her suitcase and she looked for it all over the compound in vain,” said the prosecutor.
Later, a neighbour revealed that she had seen a girl carrying the suitcase and she reported the matter to Nyeri Police Station.
Inspector Mwangi said police visited the home of the accused where they met the mother who admitted receiving the money from the daughter and handed over $4,400.
Some money missing
