Drama as man shows up naked in court

A dramatic scene unfolded at the Embu Law Courts on Monday after a suspect accused of stealing clothes appeared in court naked.

Appearing before Resident Magistrate Jean Ndegeri, 32-year-old Alex Jana Mugo told a stunned courtroom that his clothes were taken away after being stripped naked by officers at Embu Police Station where he was detained after his arrest on Sunday.

It is reported that the clothes the accused was wearing on the day of his arrest were part of those he allegedly stole, hence, was forced to remove them so that they could be used as exhibit.

When he was reportedly offered other clothing he declined to put them on, insisting that he would only accept the confiscated clothes.

Mugo, who was brought to court with only a leso covering his private parts, had attempted to strip naked in the courtroom by dropping the shawl in front of the lady magistrate.

He did not take plea after the prosecution applied for the matter to be postponed since the accused was deemed inappropriately dressed.

Mugo is charged that on January 10, 2019 at Kaunda Estate he stole three trousers, two vests and two shirts all valued at Ksh.4,000 and belonging to Vincent Musembi.

He is also facing a second charge that on January 13, 2019 at Blue Valley within Embu County, in the course of stealing, dishonestly retained a khaki trouser and pinkish shirt knowing or having reason to believe they were stolen goods.

The accused is also facing a third charge that on January 13, at Embu Police Station he was found in possession of 11 rolls of bhang with a street value of Ksh.550. He, however, alleges that the drugs were planted on him by police officers.

The owner of the clothes says he had washed them and left on the line to dry but upon returning home in the evening, he found them missing.

A few days later, he says he came across the accused wearing one of his stolen trouser and shirt prompting his to report the matter to the police.

The magistrate directed that the accused be presented in court on Janaury 1 to take plea.