In an unexpected and perplexing twist of events, a saleswoman employed by St Augustine Funeral Services finds herself entangled in legal proceedings for the alleged theft of coffins and associated accessories.
The accused, Moureen Khikani, appeared before Milimani Senior Resident Magistrate Ben Mark Ekhubi to address charges of purloining two coffins and 26 coffin handles with an estimated combined value of Sh207,000.
With an air of unease, Moureen Khikani, a mother of one, stood in the courtroom dock as the court clerk meticulously enunciated the charge lodged by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The accused promptly refuted the accusations against her. Leading the prosecution, Ms. Virginia Kariuki contended that during the period of May 7-12, 2022, at the St Augustine Funeral Services premises situated at Kenyatta Market in Nairobi County, Moureen purportedly pilfered two coffins valued at Sh90,000.
Furthermore, she was implicated in the theft of 26 coffin handles, carrying a value of Sh117,000.
According to Ms. Kariuki, the coffins and accessories in question unequivocally belonged to St Augustine Funeral Services, thus rendering these allegations tantamount to an internal theft.
In response, a defense attorney advocating on behalf of Moureen Khikani petitioned the court for her release on reasonable bail terms.
The attorney underscored Moureen’s status as a sole parent, responsible for her child’s welfare, as grounds for her release.
Ms. Kariuki did not contest the plea for bail, thereby allowing the magistrate to determine the terms of her release. The magistrate, upholding the fundamental right to bail, granted Moureen a bail amount of Sh250,000, provided with one surety.
Alternatively, a cash bail alternative of Sh100,000 was extended, contingent upon the provision of one reliable contact person.
