Woman accused of stealing handbags when congregants are deep in prayer

Wooden church pews [iStockphoto]

A woman was charged on Friday with stealing from a church while pretending to be a worshipper.

Tabitha Auma Luta Okello was arraigned before Bungoma Resident Magistrate Harriet Getenga.

She denied all eight counts of stealing from congregants' handbags at GAK Church in the Oldrex area at around 1400 hours on June 30, 2024.

Okello was also charged with stealing a bag containing cash, an identity card for the African Institute, a notebook, and a mobile phone, all valued at Sh7,200, from Mercy Musundi, who was deep in prayer.

She also stole a handbag containing items valued at Sh33,400 from a church crusade at Posta Grounds. She stole at Bungoma High School pitch and an SDA church as well.

Okello faced alternative counts of stealing on different dates in Bungoma and Kakamega counties.

The magistrate ordered that a probation report be filed before the accused is released on bond.

"The accused has a bad history of stealing handbags, especially from churches. This is evident in the affidavit sworn by the investigating officer. I, therefore, ask the probation officers to file a report that will guide the court on whether to grant the accused bond or not. Meanwhile, she will be remanded at Bungoma G.K. prison. The matter will be mentioned on September 16," said Getenga.

Prosecutor Wycliffe Minishi told the court that Okello was a serial thief specializing in stealing women's handbags and other valuables, primarily from church functions. He said the accused is believed to be working with other accomplices who are still at large and are being sought by the police. "I oppose releasing the accused because her accomplice has not been arrested, and to add to that, she might be lynched, as is evident by the affidavit sworn by the investigative officer," said Minishi.

He also said that similar cases of handbag theft have been recorded at various police stations and are yet to be brought to court.

"The accused is a flight risk because she is suspected to come from the neighbouring country Uganda, and when released on bond, she might escape," he said.

Additionally, he said that Okello has a habit of going to church in the name of praying, but after congregants sink into deep prayers, she takes away handbags and flees.