Mombasa Lawyer Charged with Stealing KSh 17 Million from Client

A Mombasa-based lawyer, Sheila Nkatha, has been charged with the alleged theft of KSh 17 million from her client.

Nkatha appeared before Senior Resident Magistrate Rita Orare, where she pleaded not guilty to the charges of theft and issuing a bad cheque.

The allegations stem from incidents that reportedly occurred over a series of months, specifically between February 17, 2024, and July 23, 2024, in the Mvita area of Mombasa County.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) provided updates on the case, confirming the significant amount involved and detailing the nature of the accusations against Nkatha.

During the court proceedings, Prosecution Counsel Yassir Mohamed argued that the bond terms for Nkatha should reflect the magnitude of the alleged theft, urging the court to impose conditions that align with the severity of the offense. The prosecution’s stance highlights concerns regarding the potential flight risk of the accused, given the substantial sum involved.

Nkatha’s legal team maintains her innocence, vowing to contest the charges vigorously.

The court has scheduled a ruling for November 22, 2024, to determine whether Nkatha will be released on bond pending trial.