Embu man fined Ksh.5,000 for stealing a bunch of bananas

A 23-year-old man accused of stealing bananas valued at Ksh.500 belonging to the area assistant chief told the court he just wanted to feed his family.

Appearing before Embu Senior Resident Magistrate Jean Ndengeri on Monday, Justin Kimanthi pleaded guilty to the offence saying he was driven by hunger.

Kimanthi was charged that on November 4, 2018, at Dallas Estate within Embu town, he stole one bunch of raw bananas valued at Ksh.500 and the property of Catherine Wanja.

The accused, in his defense, said he did not intend to steal the whole bunch but just a few bananas enough to feed his family.

He added that he has lived from hand to mouth after failing to secure a job and so, on said day, he decided to enter the nearest shamba  to fetch something for his wife and their three-month old baby.

Kimanthi was fined Ksh.5,000 or serve four months jail and the investigating officer directed to return the bananas to the administrator; the rightful owner.