Eldoret Court Sets KSh 500,000 Bond for Suspect Accused of Handling Three Stolen Mobile Phones

An Eldoret court has ordered two suspects facing charges of handling suspected stolen property to be released on bond of KSh 300,000 and KSh 500,000 respectively, with no option of a cash bail, pending the hearing and determination of their case.

The two accused persons, Shadrack Aringo and Joseph Kimani, also known as “Rasta,” appeared before Senior Resident Magistrate Beatrice Toroitich, where they denied all charges levelled against them. The court heard that both men were arrested in separate incidents within Eldoret and its environs and later arraigned under Section 323 of the Penal Code, which deals with handling suspected stolen property.

Kimani, who was granted a bond of KSh 500,000, is alleged to have attempted to evade arrest after police officers began trailing him. According to the prosecution, officers intercepted him within Eldoret city and recovered three mobile phones in his possession, which they believe were unlawfully obtained.

“The accused attempted to flee upon noticing the officers, raising suspicion, and upon arrest, he was found with multiple mobile phones reasonably suspected to be stolen,” the prosecution told the court.

Court documents further indicate that Kimani was found with assorted mobile devices, which have since been listed as exhibits as investigations continue.

On the other hand, Aringo, who was released on a bond of KSh 300,000, is accused of being in possession of various electronic items, including household appliances and accessories, also suspected to have been stolen. Investigating officers told the court that the items were recovered during an operation and that the accused failed to provide a satisfactory account of ownership.

The prosecution urged the court to impose stringent bond terms, citing what it described as a growing trend of mobile phone theft and related offences within Eldoret, particularly following its conferment of city status.

“There has been a notable increase in cases of mobile phone theft and handling of stolen electronics within Eldoret city. The court should take judicial notice of this trend and impose deterrent bond terms,” the prosecution submitted.

However, the defence opposed the request for high bond terms. Counsel for the accused, Nathan Oburu, told the court that he would be appealing against the KSh 500,000 bond imposed on Kimani, terming it excessive and punitive.

“The bond terms, particularly for the second accused, are punitive and do not reflect the principle of reasonable bail. We shall be moving to challenge the same,” Oburu submitted.

He further argued that both accused persons are presumed innocent and should not be subjected to harsh conditions before trial, adding that they have fixed places of abode and are willing to comply with all court requirements.

In her ruling, Senior Resident Magistrate Beatrice Toroitich allowed both accused persons to be released on bond, setting Aringo’s bond at KSh 300,000 and Kimani’s at KSh 500,000, with no option of a cash bail. The court directed that the accused comply strictly with all bond conditions and attend court as required.

The matter is scheduled for hearing on the 28th of this month, where the prosecution is expected to present its case, including witness testimonies and evidence related to the recovered items.