Three charged with stealing 1,500 bags of milk powder

Three people have been charged with the theft of at least 1,511 bags of milk powder at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court.

In a statement, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said the three identified as Florance Wanjiku Muiruri, Moses Boyi Odhiambo and Daniel Ngugi among others not present in the court, are suspected to have stolen the 25kg bags at Sambot Ship’s contractors in Mombasa.

The milk powder bags were part of a consignment of condemned products by the Kenya Revenue Authority  (KRA).

“They were also charged with an offence of interfering with goods subjected to customs control, contrary to Section 203(f) of the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004,” the ODPP said.

ODPP added: “The accused persons are alleged to have interfered with 1,511 bags each containing 25 kg of condemned powdered milk, which were subject to customs control by virtue of having seized for distraction without the authority of the commissioner Customs and Border Control.”

They pleaded not guilty to all charges before Chief Magistrate Victor Wakhumile and were released on a bond of Ksh200,000 and an alternative cash bail of Ksh100,000.

Senior Principal Prosecution Counsel Duncan Ondimu informed the court that the prosecution had already supplied the accused persons with documentary evidence and witness statements.

Wakhumile directed the matter to be mentioned on July 15, 2024, for further directions.

Milk powder other arrests

In June 2024, other suspects involved in the case were arrested and arraigned before the anti-corruption court in Nairobi.

Joseph Ndungu Guchecha, Ramadhan Kariuki Gitau, Edwin Wanjala Barasa and Francis Kyalo Mwandandu were arraigned and charged for the suspected interfering with milk powder condemned for destruction.

A statement by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) said the suspects were also charged with stealing 1,511 bags each containing 25 kg of condemned powdered milk, the property of the Kenya Revenue Authority.

“It is suspected that the accused persons committed the offence on May 3, 2023, at Sambot Ship’s Contractors within Mombasa County,” the ODPP said.

They pleaded not guilty to the charges, and Joseph, Edwin and Francis were released on a bond of Ksh200,000 and alternative cash bail of Ksh100,000, while Ramadhan was released on a bond of Ksh500,000 or cash bail of Ksh200, 000.

Prosecution through Duncan Ondimu,  Vincent Cheruiyot and Victor Nchaga told the court that the three failed to attend court despite being summoned by police and efforts to trace them were futile.