Couple charged with robbery with violence and livestock theft

Jane Kaari and her husband Gicobi Jesii when they appeared at the Baricho law courts to face charges of stealing eight pigs and five dairy cows valued at Sh854,000. (PHOTO:MUNENE KAMAU/STANDARD)

A couple from Kirinyaga County has been charged in court with robbery with violence and stock theft.

Gicobi Jesii and his wife Jane Kaari were charged that on October 1 at Karima village, Kirinyaga West sub county, jointly with others not before the court and while armed with an assortment of crude weapons they robbed Pius Murimi of eight pigs and five dairy cows belonging to Samuel Nganga. They are also accused of injuring Murimi during the robbery of the property at Sh854,000.

The couple, who operate a butchery at Ngurubani market in Mwea, were also charged that on October 2 at their business premises, they were found with stolen livestock; four pigs and four dairy cattle valued at Sh720,000 belonging to Nganga.

INCOMPLETE PROBE

Through their lawyer Kemunto Magara, the accused however denied committing the offences and applied to be released on bond.

The prosecution led by Chief Inspector Rose Roheya and prosecution counsel Irene Magolo opposed the application citing incomplete investigations.

“We require at least three more days to enable the investigating officers to complete their work as they have indicated that more suspects and more serious charges are likely to be preferred,” she said.

Baricho Principal Magistrate Evans Keago ordered that the accused be remanded at Wanguru Police Station until this Thursday when their case will come up for mention.

Nganga asked the court to order that the cows be milked at Wang’uru Police Station where they are currently confined pending production on Thursday as exhibits.

The magistrate consequently told the CID officers handling the matter to ensure the cows are milked to avoid causing them harm.