Menengai Oil Refineries employee charged with theft of Sh2.5 million

Zahir Ali Shah at Nakuru law courts when he appeared before principal Magistrate Joe Omido

NAKURU, KENYA: An employee of Menengai Oil Refineries is on trial for alleged theft of Sh2.5m from the oil company.

Zahir Ali Shah allegedly stole the money belonging to Menengai Oil Refineries, which came to his possession by virtue of his employment in the company.

The charge sheet indicated that the accused committed the crime along with others while in the premises of the company within Nakuru County.

“The accused jointly with others, being servants of the oil company stole Sh2,519,868 on diverse dates between August 11, 2016, and March 25, 2019, belonging to Menengai Oil Refineries Limited,” read the charge sheet.

The man of a foreign origin who was arrested on April 2 and taken to Nakuru Police Station has denied the charges.

On Thursday during the mention of the case, Principal Magistrate Joe Omido directed that he appears each month for mentioning before his trial begins on July 18.

Mr. Omido noted that the accused was a flight risk since he was of no Kenyan origin.

He made the direction after the prosecution applied that the accused be availed in court after every month to ensure he does not abscond any court proceedings.

“The accused is clearly a flight risk. He should appear on May 20, for the court to keep tabs on him and ensure he doesn’t escape,” said Omido.

Mr. Omido directed the prosecution to provide witness statements, charge sheet and all documents necessary for Shah’s defence.

Mr. Shah took plea Tuesday before Chief Magistrate Josephat Kalo during his arraignment.

He was released on a bond of Sh800,000 and an alternative cash bail of Sh500,000.

The court heard that the accused has been able to process cash bail of Sh500,000 and he is out.