Humphrey Mulindi Mathahana
Humphrey Mulindi Mathahana, a petrol station agent, faces charges for allegedly stealing more than Sh7.7 million (approximately USD 52,000). Mathahana appeared before Milimani Chief Magistrate Lukas Onyina and pleaded not guilty to the theft charges.
The allegations specify that Mathahana committed the offense on various dates between February 6 and February 11 of the previous year at Ola Petrol Station in Westlands, Nairobi. The charge sheet indicates that the funds in question were stolen from businessman Issadine Gabane Mohammed. This significant amount of money is said to have been pilfered during the specified period.
Mathahana’s defense, however, challenges the prosecution’s account. According to his lawyer, Mathahana only received USD 35,000, which he had attempted to return to Issadine. The defense argues that despite Mathahana’s offer to refund the money, Issadine refused to accept it. This claim raises questions about the validity of the theft allegations and suggests a potential misunderstanding or dispute regarding the funds in question.
Further complicating the case, Mathahana was reportedly arrested at his residence in Muthaiga by a large team of police officers. The defense has characterized this response as disproportionate, arguing that the scale of the police operation was excessive. Such details highlight the tension surrounding the case and the differing perspectives of the prosecution and defense.
In addition to the criminal proceedings, there is a related matter concerning Mathahana’s vehicle. The court heard that since February 2022, Issadine has had possession of Mathahana’s car, which is tied to the case. The ongoing custody of the car by Issadine adds another layer of complexity to the legal dispute, potentially influencing the resolution of the criminal charges.
Also Read: Jackson Kiruti Njiiri, Elias Kyalo Ngao, Elijah Itegi Githinji, and Grace Wamuyu Mathenge Charged Over $4 Million Theft from Kenya Airways
Mathahana was granted bail of Sh1 million pending the outcome of his case, with the next court appearance scheduled for March 27, 2023. The bail amount reflects the seriousness of the allegations and provides Mathahana the opportunity to prepare his defense while remaining out of custody.
In parallel to the criminal case, Issadine Gabane Mohammed has taken additional legal action by filing a separate case before the commercial court. This action is aimed at recovering the stolen funds and underscores the financial stakes involved in the dispute. The commercial court case will focus on resolving the financial claims and may further influence the broader legal context of the theft allegations. The criminal and commercial proceedings are expected to be intricate, involving thorough investigations into financial records, testimonies, and legal arguments. The cases will address the validity of the theft allegations and the efforts to recover the allegedly stolen funds. The outcome will be closely monitored by both the public and the legal community, given the significant amount of money and the reputations of those involved.
Overall, the case against Humphrey Mulindi Mathahana involves multiple facets, including criminal charges, financial recovery efforts, and legal property disputes. As the legal process continues, both the criminal and commercial courts will play crucial roles in determining the resolution of the allegations and the recovery of the funds. The proceedings will likely involve extensive legal and financial scrutiny to ensure justice and address the claims made by both parties.
