This archive report was first published on 25 July 2019.
On July 25, 2019, a remarkable scene unfolded in a Mombasa court, where a judge's compassion and community spirit came together to save a young woman from a potential two-year jail term.
Shanzu Senior Resident Magistrate Patrick Odhiambo took the initiative to organize an impromptu fundraiser to help 19-year-old Karyn Chelagat, who had been charged with shoplifting from a Mtwapa-based supermarket on July 21st.
Ms. Chelagat had pleaded guilty to the charge, explaining that she envied women who sported good-looking weaves but couldn't afford the synthetic hair due to financial problems.
Magistrate Odhiambo asked court attendees to contribute at least Sh100 to compensate the supermarket for the stolen items, valued at Sh1,140.
Thanks to the generosity of the community, including a Sh2,000 donation from lawyer William Bosire, the funds raised would help Ms. Chelagat pay for the stolen hair weaves and even buy food to eat.
Magistrate Odhiambo also ordered the Investigating Officer to return the stolen weaves to the supermarket, ensuring that justice was served while also showing compassion for the accused.
