Two watchmen charged with stealing Sh3m anaesthesia machine from Chuka hospital

Two watchmen were on Thursday arraigned in court over the theft of an anaesthesia machine from Chuka Level 5 Hospital last week Wednesday.

The two appeared before Chuka Law Court Senior Magistrate Mwanamkuu Sudi where they were charged with the felony of breaking into the building and stealing the newly installed Sh3 million machine.

The court heard that the two, Jacob Musyoka and Kinyua Njeru, were on duty guarding the hospital when the machine was stolen. They were also charged with failing to prevent a felony.

They denied the charges and were ordered to remain in custody until tomorrow (Friday) when a pre-bail report will be availed by the probation officer.

The anaesthesia machine that had been installed in the newly constructed maternity theatre in Chuka Level 5 Hospital was reported stolen on Wednesday last week in what authorities suspected was an inside job.

Speaking to Citizen Digital on phone last week, Tharaka Nithi County health boss Walter Mugambi said that the machine was among equipment received from the national government and was still awaiting the official commissioning when it was stolen.

Hospital employees had recorded statements with the CID as police launched investigations into the matter.

By Kendi Njeru