An Eldoret court has handed down fines and prison sentences to two individuals convicted of theft in separate cases involving stolen mobile phones.
In the first case, Amos Ekale Erupe, a casual laborer, was ordered to pay a fine of Ksh. 20,000 or serve one year in jail for stealing a mobile phone worth Ksh. 11,000 from his employer.
Appearing before Principal Magistrate Caroline Wattimah, Erupe pleaded guilty to the charge and pleaded for leniency, stating that he had been under the influence of alcohol when he committed the crime.
The court heard that on January 3, 2025, in Moi’s Bridge town, Uasin Gishu County, Erupe stole the phone from his employer, Paul Umbuge, after being hired for a casual job on his land. After completing his work, he was paid and later invited by his employer for drinks at a local club. As the night progressed, Umbuge invited Erupe to his home, where they spent the night. However, the following morning, Erupe left early, taking with him the mobile phone that had been left charging in the living room.
In a separate case, Nicholas Kiplagat was fined Ksh. 25,000 or sentenced to one year in prison after pleading guilty to stealing a Tecno phone valued at Ksh. 14,500.
The incident occurred at Uasin Gishu Primary School in Eldoret town, where Kiplagat had been entrusted with holding the phone for his friend, Allan Kipkorir, who was playing volleyball. Instead of returning the phone, Kiplagat made off with it, prompting legal action.
Magistrate Wattimah, in her ruling, emphasized the importance of trust and honesty, handing Kiplagat a fine of Ksh. 25,000 or a one-year jail term at Eldoret GK Prison.
