A Nairobi businessman has told a court how a woman he met for the first time during a night out in Lavington allegedly stole Ksh335,000 from his mobile banking account after a night of partying.
The accused, Lora Odero, is facing theft charges for allegedly transferring the money from James Mwangi Kiaritha’s mobile account on March 15, 2025, at an apartment complex in Riverside.
Night Out Turns Costly for Nairobi Businessman
Testifying before the court, Kiaritha, 34, said he met Lora for the first time during a night of entertainment that began at a bar in Lavington before moving to another venue at Lavington Mall.
He said he later offered to drop her off at her apartment in Riverside after a night of partying that ended at around 6:30 a.m.
Upon arrival, Lora invited him into her apartment, but once inside, Kiaritha told the court that his memory became “blurred.”
“When I woke up, I was fully dressed, and my phone was beside me,” he said, adding that Lora claimed she needed to rush to a pharmacy for medicine.
He drove her to the pharmacy using his car and later discovered the alleged theft.
Ksh335,000 Vanishes from Mobile Account
Later that morning, Kiaritha attempted to make a mobile payment but realized that his account had insufficient funds. Concerned, he contacted his bank and was informed of multiple unauthorized transactions made from his mobile account.
Upon checking his mobile money statements, he discovered three transactions — all sent to a phone number linked to Lora Odero — at 9:51 a.m., 9:52 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. on the same day.
“I can’t explain any transactions to Lora because I don’t send money to people,” he told the court.
He added that all his bank accounts were secured with similar PINs and that it was his first time meeting the accused.
Defense Challenges Victim’s Account
During cross-examination, the defence lawyer claimed Kiaritha had earlier told Lora he lived in Runda and did not want to engage in sexual activity with her — claims he denied.
He also dismissed suggestions that the accused declined his advances, saying, “I was the one who chose not to discuss the matter.”
Kiaritha further testified that after the incident, he searched Lora’s name online and discovered she had previous legal cases involving politicians, which discouraged him from pursuing any settlement.
He told the court he later sought treatment at a Kikuyu hospital, where he reported dizziness and confusion but did not obtain a formal medical report.
Case Ongoing
The accused, Lora Odero, denied the theft charges and was released on bail. The case continues.
