This archive report was first published on 2 July 2020.
On June 23, 2020, police in Embu town arrested Silas Njeru Nthenge, a suspected thief who had been shot in the arm during a confrontation with police.
Nthenge and his accomplices had been carrying a stolen electric timber sawing machine worth Sh100,000 when they were stopped by police on patrol.
Instead of surrendering, the suspects attacked the officers with machetes, prompting the police to shoot at them and injure Nthenge.
After seeking treatment for his wounded hand, Nthenge was arrested and charged with being in possession of a stolen item.
Senior Resident Magistrate Tony Kwambai fined Nthenge Sh50,000 or sentenced him to two years in jail if he failed to pay the fine.
Nthenge, who claimed to be a casual labourer with children depending on him, was unable to raise the fine and was subsequently sent to Embu GK Prison to serve his sentence.
