How driver stole Sh1.4 million from former athlete's mobile phone

A wooden gavel. [Courtesy/iStock]

Retired athlete Mike Boit testified in an Eldoret court about how his driver stole Sh1.4 million from him through his mobile phone three years ago.

Boit, a Professor of Exercise and Sports Science at Kenyatta University, explained that his trusted driver, Kevine Lagat, secretly obtained his M-Pesa PIN and waited for the right moment to act.

The court heard that when the opportunity arose, Lagat logged into Boit's bank accounts in Eldoret and Nandi Hills, stealing a total of Sh1.4 million.

While testifying before Eldoret Chief Magistrate Dennis Mikoyan, Boit expressed his disbelief about the theft.

He stated, “Your Honour, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I discovered the theft. I only learned about it when I checked the balance at the KCB account at the Eldoret branch. I could not imagine that my trusted driver could do this to me; it’s excruciating.”

After confirming the theft, Boit visited Naiberi Police Station in Ainabkoi sub-county to report the matter and recorded a statement.

Boit explained that he had relied on Lagat to drive him from Nandi Hills to Nairobi for various work engagements, paying him Sh3,000 per day for his services.

"I really trusted Lagat, and yet he stole from me. I think he took advantage of my advanced age and my memory issues to defraud me," he narrated.

In a surprising revelation, Boit informed the court that his driver had used the mobile phone of a person who had died 15 years ago to fraudulently transfer the money to that deceased individual’s phone number.

Boit was giving evidence in a case where Lagat is accused of unlawfully and fraudulently accessing his KCB account and transferring Sh550,304.

According to court documents, the accused is also charged with other offences not currently before the court, including unlawfully accessing Boit's accounts in Nandi Hills and transferring an additional Sh480,000.

Lagat, represented by lawyer Tecla Tum, allegedly committed the crimes on various dates between December 23, 2023, and January 27, 2025, in Eldoret City, Uasin Gishu County.

The case has been adjourned until January 26, 2026, for further hearing.