Magistrate Organises 'Harambee' in Court to Pay Fine for Weave Thief

A Senior Resident Magistrate from Shanzu in Mombasa, Patrick Odhiambo, left a courtroom in surprise after he asked attendees to contribute towards a 19-year-old lady who was charged with stealing.

The lady, Karyn Chelagat, pleaded guilty to shoplifting a weave amounting to Ksh 1,140 at a supermarket in the county.

The court heard that she envied her friends who had elegant weaves warranting her to commit the act.

“I wanted to look beautiful like other women. So, I went to the supermarket, looked around and saw the weaves that my friends often wear.

Upon looking at the price tag, I was heartbroken that I couldn’t afford the two pieces. Left with no other choice, I stole the products,” she stated.

Chelagat continued narrating that she had been brought up from a poor background and had always admired the nice 

“I was raised in poverty. When I came to town, I would see women sporting good hair and wearing quality make-up. I have tried to look as beautiful as my friends, but lack of money makes that impossible,” Chelagat divulged.

The magistrate, at this point, asked those present in court to contribute at least Ksh 100. This would enable save Chelagat from serving a two-year jail term or a Ksh 50,000 fine.

Wiliam Bosire, a lawyer, offered to give Ksh 2,000. Afterwards, the magistrate asked Chelagat to return the stolen weaves to the Mtwapa supermarket and the money was given to her.

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