Chief in court for allegedly stealing relief food

He is accused of stealing two bags of rice and two bags of beans each weighing 50kg, valued at Sh25,000. [iStockphoto]

A Chief in Kangundo Sub-county has been charged with stealing of relief food meant for poor residents.

Bethwel Mutinda is facing charges of stealing by person employed in public service contrary to section 280 of the penal code.

He appeared before Kangundo Senior Resident Magistrate, Martha Opanga where he denied the offence.

He is accused of stealing two bags of rice and two bags of beans each weighing 50kg, valued at Sh25,000 and which was the property of the Government of Kenya.

An assistant county commissioner, 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 offence was allegedly committed on March 16, 2022, at Matetani village in Kangundo, Machakos County.

Mutinda, who was not represented claimed he had stored the said foodstuffs in his house due to lack of safe custody in his office.

"There were several incidences of break-ins into my office and I was concerned the food would be stolen from the office," the chief said.

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.