Written By Andrew Kariuki
A Nairobi man has been convicted after admitting to failing to pay a restaurant bill amounting to Ksh 22,760.
Appearing before a Nairobi court on Friday, October 3, 2025, Qurine Omondi Muteshi pleaded guilty to obtaining credit by false pretence after he allegedly consumed food and alcoholic beverages at Vibanda Village Restaurant and left without settling the bill.
According to the prosecution, Muteshi, accompanied by friends, ordered several rounds of drinks, food and bottled water at the popular restaurant before attempting to sneak out.
He allegedly pretended to make a phone call, then tried to board a matatu outside the premises when staff members intercepted him.
Restaurant management said they made several efforts to have Muteshi pay, but he refused. Police from Capitol Hill Police Station were called to the scene and arrested him shortly after.
The prosecution produced eight payment receipts from Vibanda Village Restaurant as evidence, confirming the total amount owed. When asked to respond to the charge, Muteshi pleaded guilty, telling the court that he was a father of four and had some money with him at the time.
The court found him guilty and ruled that he had indeed obtained services by false pretence. He was sentenced to pay a fine of Ksh 30,000 or serve two months in prison if unable to pay.
The magistrate warned that such behaviour undermines businesses and urged the public to act responsibly when seeking services.
