A man who is alleged to have squandered sh162,120 sent to his phone through MPESA has told the court that he bought a piece of land with the cash.
Stephen Nyamwita on Friday appeared before Milimani Chief Magistrate Lukas Onyina and pleaded guilty to receiving the cash.
He, however, said he was willing to pay back the money only if the court gives him more time to get a buyer so that he can sell the land.
In his mitigation, the accused said he had a young family and was remorseful of the offence.
“Your honor its true I received the money, and no one looked for it. I had to change my line since my phone had issues but please allow me to pay him”, Nyamwita told the court.
It was said that the accused withdrew the money after receiving it and kept it in the house.
According to the charge sheet, Nyamwita is accused of intentionally and unlawfully withholding the transaction sent to his mobile phone number.
The prosecution said the complainant sent through the Cooperative bank account name of the Pan Africa network group in error and which ought to have been delivered to another person.
He is alleged to have committed the offence on February 15 in the Mabera area of Migori county.
The court heard after receiving the cash, the accused withdrew the money and switched off his phone until police traced him in Migori County and arrested him.
The magistrate directed a probation report to be tabled in court before his sentencing.
