This archive report was first published on 30 June 2021.
On November 3, 2020, Cyrus Nzoka Maithya received an unexpected MPesa transfer of Ksh16,463 into his account, which was registered in the name of Harriet Karimi.
Maithya, who pleaded guilty to two counts of stealing, claimed he had already used the money when given a chance to return it to the owner.
According to the charge sheet, Maithya 'otherwise in the course of stealing dishonesty received Sh16463 in your Mpesa account knowing or having reasons to believe it was stolen.'
During mitigation, Maithya, a parent of two children, asked the court to forgive him, citing his dependents.
Nairobi Senior Principal Magistrate Martha Nazushi sentenced Maithya to 3 months in jail or to pay a Ksh20,000 fine.
