DPP withdraws car theft case against popular car dealer

DPP Renson Ingonga at Bunge Towers, Parliament. [File, Standard]

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has withdrawn a car theft case against popular Nairobi car dealer and proprietor of Valley Road Motors, Francis Ng’ang’a and his son.

Makadara Principal Magistrate Gilbert Shikwe allowed the withdrawal of the case against Ng'ang'a, his son Brandon Njoroge Ng’ang’a, and their alleged accomplice Robert Bundi Mugaa under Section 87A of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) after settling the matter out of court.

While freeing them, the magistrate also lifted a warrant of arrest that had been issued against the trio on May 28, 2025, after they failed to appear in court for plea taking.

“The accused persons are discharged, the orders issued on May 29, 2025 are hereby vacated,” ruled Magistrate Shikwe.

The warrant had been issued after the trio absconded a court session late last month.

The matter was withdrawn under Section 87 A of the CPC because the complainant the complainant in the matter, city lawyer Andrew Kiarie, was not present in court to take an oath and confirm that he no longer wished to pursue the case.

His absence meant the case could not be terminated under Section 204 of the CPC, which requires the complainant’s sworn confirmation of disinterest.

Only the lawyers representing both the suspects and the complainant appeared before the court when the matter was withdrawn.

 Ng’ang’a, his son Brandon, and Mugaa were accused of conspiring to steal a Mercedes Benz S350, registration number KDS 724T, valued at Sh6.5 million, the property of Advocate Kiarie.

The trio faced charges of conspiracy to commit a felony contrary to Section 393 of the Penal Code, and theft of a motor vehicle contrary to Section 287(A).

The warrant of arrest had been issued after the accused failed to appear in court on May 28 for plea taking, prompting the magistrate to authorize police to bring them in.

Court documents show that the matter was subsequently settled out of court between the suspects and the complainant, leading to the withdrawal of the criminal case.