Did he steal famine relief
food meant for his subjects?
By Gastone Valusi in
Machakos
A Senior Chief in Kangundo Sub-County has been charged with stealing of relief food meant for his poor subjects.
The chief of Isinga Location Bethwel Mutinda King'ele faces charges of stealing by person employed in Public Service contrary to Section 280 of the Penal Code.
He appeared before Kangundo Senior Resident Magistrate Ms Martha Opanga and denied the offense.
The government officer is accused of stealing two bags of rice and three bags of beans each weighing 50 kilogrammes valued at Sh25,000 and which was the property of the Government of Kenya.
An Assistant County Commissioner Ms Sussy Nyamosi who testified against the chief alleged the stolen foodstuff came to the possession of the accused person by the virtue of being a public servant.
The offense was allegedly committed on March 16, 2022 at Matetani village in Kangundo, Machakos County.
However, King'ele, who was not represented denied the charges and was released on a cash bail of Sh 5,000.
The state has lined up thirteen witnesses to testify against the chief, who has since been suspended from office.
The next hearing has been set for January 12, 2023.
