A Nakuru businessman suspected to have been part of a cartel that stole over Sh46 million from Central Bank of Africa in Nakuru were yesterday arraigned in court where they denied the charges.
Appearing before Chief Magistrate Josephat Kalo, Samuel Gitaru was accused of stealing the said amount of money on diverse date between December 14 and January 7 at CBA Nakuru branch.
Mr Gitaru who is a member of the bank was charged with a second count of handling stolen money which was deposited in his personal account contrary to the law on similar dates and place, knowing that they were stolen
According to police, the accused who was arrested on April 21 was on the run after realizing that part of his group implicated in the theft were arrested and awaiting being charged in court.
Prosecution side told the court that the accused is part of a group of five accused persons who had already been charged with the same case and urged the court to allow for the consolidation of the two files.
“The accused is part of a group of suspects who were charged in court with the same offense and his delay to take plea was after he disappeared from police when his friends were arrested, we urge the court to allow consolidation of the two files,” Said state counsel Winnie Njano
The court heard that the accused person is linked to a part of a cartel that target banks within the county by posing as customers and creating accounts in the bank and later steal from them.
Mr Gitaru who denied the charges against him urged the court to release him out on bond saying he is a father of young school going minors.
Chief magistrate Josephat Kalo released the accused on a Sh 10 million bond or an alternative cash bail of sh 5 million awaiting hearing of his case.
“The accused maybe released on Sh 10million bond awaiting hearing of his case” He ruled
The matter was slated for Mention on May 4 to allow consolidation of the two files.
