Man in court for locking National Police Service Commission offices over Sh10m rent arrears

A property manager who locked up National Police Service Commission (NPSC) offices over Sh18 million rent and service charge arrears has lodged a preliminary objection against his prosecution after he was charged with being a public nuisance.

Bedan Nduati (right) appeared before Milimani acting Chief Magistrate Daniel Ochenja yesterday and pleaded not guilty to two counts.

He is accused of withdrawing lift services and locking emergency exits between second and fifth floor of Sky Park Plaza on Woodvale Close in Westlands from August 15 to August 20, inconveniencing the public.

Defence lawyer Chege Njoroge termed the charges levelled against his client as malicious, saying he was forced to withdraw the services after NPSC failed to pay rent and service charge arrears amounting to Sh18 million.

"The NPSC was expected to live up to the tenancy agreement they signed with the management of the building. Despite his efforts to collect the rent arrears, the commission has failed to comply," he said.

Nduati was released on a Sh100,000 cash bail with alternative surety bond of Sh300,000. The case will be mentioned on Monday next week.