By Andrew Kariuki
A man accused of violent robberies and property damage in Kibera has been arraigned before the Milimani Law Courts.
Jotham Askari, popularly known as Kazola, was charged with two counts of robbery with violence and one count of malicious damage to property following incidents that occurred in March this year.
According to the charge sheet filed from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) Kibera station, the first count alleges that on 11 March 2025 in the Kabanet area, Askari, together with accomplices still at large, robbed Shadrack Asena of assorted alcoholic drinks and a mobile phone worth Ksh149,645.
The gang was allegedly armed with a panga, rungu and steel bar, and is accused of using violence during the raid. Askari admitted guilt to this charge.
In the second count, prosecutors allege that on 15 March 2025, Askari and others forcibly entered a liquor shop in the same neighbourhood.
Armed with pangas, rungus, steel bars and stones, the group reportedly robbed Caroline Muturi of soft drinks valued at Ksh31,800. Violence was also reported during the incident. Askari denied this charge.
The third count involves damage to property. On 11 March, he is alleged to have broken the rear left window of Asena’s red Volkswagen vehicle, causing damage worth Ksh7,000. He pleaded not guilty.
The magistrate directed that Askari be admitted to Mathare Mental Hospital for treatment before the case is mentioned again on 2 October 2025.
