This archive report was first published on 17 June 2020.
On May 6-8, 2020, a shocking case of theft unfolded at Chui Arcade building in Kamukunji, Nairobi. Andrew Mwangi Karuga, the manager of the building, allegedly stole curtains and blankets worth Sh655,000 from Ann Wangare Njue's store.
According to the police report, Karuga broke into Njue's store and stole 20 sacks of assorted curtains and a separate sack containing blankets. The stolen items were valued at Sh655,000.
However, Karuga's actions did not go unnoticed. A hawker who is Njue's customer spotted Karuga's lorry in Kawangware being used by men selling curtains and blankets at throwaway prices. Another hawker also spotted Karuga's lorry in Matassia, Kajiando County, selling the same items at below-market rates.
When summoned by the police, Karuga admitted to visiting Matassia and Kawangware using his lorry. He claimed that the CCTV cameras installed at the building were not working, but Njue disputed this, stating that the cameras were indeed functional.
On June 17, 2020, Karuga and his accomplices, James Masila Munyao and Francis Muli Kitingo, were charged in court. They denied the charges before senior principal magistrate Angelo Kithinji and were released on a Sh200,000 bond each. The hearing of the case is set to start on August 8, 2020.
