Chief Justice Martha Koome on Tuesday, July 2, dismissed allegations of imposing a Ksh10 million bond on a suspect over the alleged theft of 181kg of meat.
In a statement, CJ Koome clarified that the suspect who appeared before an Eldoret court was charged with breaking into a building and committing a felony and not theft of meat as alleged.
According to the Chief Justice, the suspect while in the company of his accomplices, reportedly broke into a club and allegedly stole goods worth Ksh37 million.
Among the stolen goods included screens, electronics, sound systems, kitchen equipment, computers, printers, restaurant furniture, freezer, microwave, utensils and assorted food items.
Koome further reiterated that during the incident, the suspect dishonestly retained some sound system-related electronics which are spelt out in the charge sheet.
“The magistrate exercised discretion and granted a bond of Ksh. 10 million given the total sum of Ksh37 million,” the Chief Justice clarified.
"The Alternative Charge is “Handling of Stolen property contrary to section 322(1)(2) of the Penal Code," she added.
According to CJ Koome, investigations into the matter were still ongoing with more suspects set to be arraigned in the course of the investigations.
She further noted that the court had not yet determined anything relating to the case and that what took place was the reading of the charges.
"The court process begins with the charge being read out to the accused person. Then he agrees or denies it."
The clarification came barely an hour after former Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi criticized the Judiciary for imposing hefty bond terms on a petty offender.
According to Havi, while the Judiciary was imposing outrageous bond terms on petty offenders, those involved in multi-billion graft allegations were awarded peanut bonds.
"CJ Martha Koome, theft of 181kg of goat meat valued at about 200K attracts bond of Ksh10 million with no option of cash bail?" questioned Havi.
"You do not see anything fundamental wrong with that?" he questioned further. by
