Three people have been charged at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court for allegedly stealing milk from the custody of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
In a statement on July 2, 2024, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) noted that the three accused persons allegedly stole 1,511 bags of condemned powder milk, each containing 25 kg.
The trio identified as Florance Wanjiku Muiruri, Moses Boyi Odhiambo and Daniel Ngugi, reportedly committed the theft on May 3, 2023, at Sambot Ship’s Contractors within Mombasa County.
The accused were also charged with interfering with goods subjected to customs control, contrary to Section 203(f) of the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004.
Furthermore, the trio is accused of interfering with the 1,511 bags of condemned powdered milk, which were seized for destruction without proper authority from the Commissioner of Customs and Border Control.
Details of the Court Hearing
“The accused persons are alleged to have interfered with 1,511 bags each containing 25 kg of condemned powdered milk, which were subject to customs control by virtue of having seized for distraction without the authority of the commissioner Customs and Border Control,” said the ODPP.
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The three pleaded not guilty to all charges before Chief Magistrate Dr. Victor Wakhumile and were released on a bond of Ksh.200,000 and an alternative cash bail of Ksh.100,000.
The prosecution has already supplied the accused persons with documentary evidence and witness statements. The matter has been directed to be mentioned on July 15, 2024, for further directions
The prosecution, led by Senior Principal Counsel Duncan Ondimu noted that it had already supplied the accused persons with documentary evidence and witness statements which proved their involvement in the theft.
Following the hearing, Magistrate Wakumile directed the matter to be mentioned on 15th July, 2024 for further directions.
Other Similar Cases involving Milk Theft
This case is not an isolated incident, as similar incidents of theft and interference with condemned or seized powdered milk have been reported in recent months.
In February 2024, the Milimani Magistrates Court authorized the KRA to dispose of a large consignment of contraband milk powder seized from a building in Eastleigh Estate, Starehe Sub-County.
Also Read: Tonnes of Illicit Milk Seized in Nairobi
The milk was seized after a multi-agency team raid which took place on February 13, 2024.
The raid saw the arrest and arraignment of a trader who was found to be in possession of contraband milk contrary to the Law.
He was subsequently arraigned in Court and pleaded guilty on April 17, 2024, and was fined Sh235,000.
Additionally, in January, the Operations Support Unit (OSU) detectives seized over 32.5 tonnes of contraband milk powder from a shop along the Eastern Bypass in Nairobi.
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