Mombasa: Theft suspect demands police return his cash before he can plead to charges

A man caused a stir at the Mombasa law court after he declined to plead to charges and requested the court to order his detention.

Mwalimu Katana, who appeared before Mombasa Chief Magistrate Martha Mutuku, informed the court that he was not ready to plead to the charges of stealing levelled against him.

“I will not plead to anything until you order my detention at the arresting police station,” Katana said.

Following his stand, Mutuku in her kind demeanour enquired why he the suspect did not want to plead to his charges following his arrest.

“Make me understand what is the problem, why don’t you want to plead to the charges?” She posed.

In a quick rejoinder, the suspect told the court that he would only plead to the charges after the officers who arrested him were compelled to return his cash amounting to Ksh8,700 and a toolbox.

“Until the officers give me my money, I want to remain at the Makupa police station thereafter they can produce me before the court and that is the only time I will be ready to plead to the charges,” he stated.

Mutuku ordered the suspect to be remanded at Makupa police station.

The magistrate further issued summons to the investigating officer.

“Summons are hereby issued against the investigating officer to appear before this court and substantiate the claims,” she said.

Katana had been charged with the offence of stealing contrary to section 268(1)as read with section 275 of the penal code.

The particulars being that on August 13 this year at about 10 am within the Makupa area, Mombasa county he stole a radiator and a motorbike frame.