Written by Were Kelly
An Equity Bank teller has been charged with stealing more than KSh 1.2 million from both a customer and the bank in two separate incidents.
Gilbert Kiptoo Lelon, stationed at Equity Bank’s Kahawa Branch, appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Dolphina Alego, where he was accused of stealing by servant contrary to Section 281 of the Penal Code.
According to prosecutors, the first theft occurred on August 11, 2024, when Gilbert allegedly stole KSh 800,000 from the account of a customer, Mary Kanini Kamuya, while serving as a teller.
The following day, on August 12, 2024, he is alleged to have stolen KSh 454,000 belonging to Equity Bank — money said to have come into his possession by virtue of his employment.
Gilbert denied all charges before the court. Magistrate Alego directed that he remain in custody until August 19, 2025, pending the completion of a pre-bail report to determine his eligibility for bail or bond.
The case has raised concerns over internal fraud within banking institutions and the vulnerability of customer accounts to insider theft.
