Three judiciary officers charged with stealing heroin worth Sh30 million were on Thursday released on bail at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Law Court.
Onesmas Momanyi, Abdala Abubakar and Lawrence Baya were released on Sh300,000 cash bail each or a bond of Sh700,000 each.
Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina ruled that he considered a pre-bail report before making a decision to release them on bail.
“I have also considered the seriousness of the offense and the probation report while granting the accused bail,” ruled Onyina.
They had pleaded with the court to release them on bail saying that they were just junior officers of the judiciary.
The three had been arraigned in court together with Mombasa magistrate Edgar Kagoni who was released before pleading to the charges in line with the high court orders.
Onyina while releasing them also directed them to provide one contact person each. They have since denied the charges.
It is alleged that between December 4 last year and July 26 this year at Mombasa Law Courts, the trio stole narcotic drugs valued at Sh30 million weighing 10kg and Sh600, 000 that were both exhibits in a case.
The three were also accused of stealing 6100 US dollar, 1000 UAE DIRHAM, 301 000 Tanzanian shillings, 200,000 Madagastcar currency and Sh50 which had been produced as an exhibit in Mombasa Law Courts.
The court was informed that on the fourth count, the accused trafficked in narcotic drugs contrary to section 4(a) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic substance (control) Act number 4 of 1994.
Miinda, Abdalla and Thoya were also charged with trafficking in heroin valued at Sh30,066,000 by distribution from the court exhibit store, in contravention of the provisions of the said Act.
"Thoya is just a judicial cleaner who has a young family to take care of, “said Danstan Omari, defense lawyer.
He also pleaded with the court to have their Identity Cards (ID) released.
Omari had pleaded with the court to be lenient with the accused specifically Baya who is a cleaner.
The court also heard that his gross salary is not more than 10,000 and he has also taken many loans in a bid to sustain his family.
The DPP had suggested that they are released on a Sh300, 000 cash bail or Sh700, 000 bond.
Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletter
The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
join