Property manager denies stealing Sh8.6m from tenants
The suspect Peter Gathungu Gikonyo in the dock on November 18, 2020.
A property manager has been charged with the theft of Sh8.6 million entrusted to him by people renting property he supervises in upmarket areas within Nairobi county.
Peter Gathungu Gikonyo, who is employed by Kaggs Investment Limited, denied in court on Wednesday that he stole the money within a period of three months.
He was charged before Milimani Chief Magistrate Martha Mutuku.
It was alleged that Mr Gikonyo, between June 29 and September 1, 2020, stole Sh8,684,000 entrusted to him for retaining in safe custody.
A defence lawyer applied to free Mr Gikonyo on reasonable bond terms, saying he is not a flight risk.
Ms Mutuku further heard that the suspect’s homes in the city and upcountry are well known and, therefore, he cannot skip court dates.
“I have advised the accused very well on the dangers of not attending court. He has understood,” the lawyer said.
Prosecution counsel Anderson Gikunda was not opposed to the bail plea.
He told the magistrate to consider the amount in the charge sheet.
In her short ruling, the magistrate said bail is a constitutional right for all accused persons regardless of the charges against them.
She granted Mr Gikonyo a bond of Sh1 million with a surety or an alternative cash bail of Sh500,000.
Ms Mutuku directed the suspect to appear in court on December 3 for pre-trial directions.
