Embattled Mombasa based lawyer Sheila Nkatha Muthee broke down in court moments after the court ordered her release on a bond of Kshs 5 million with one similar surety.
In her ruling, Mombasa Senior Resident Magistrate Rita Orora stated that the court had to balance the rights of the accused and the complainant, as required by law.
Earlier, Muthee’s lawyer Elijah Gathu had informed the court that efforts were ongoing to have the matter resolved outside court.
However, the efforts proved futile after the complainant declined the proposed settlement.
Muthee is accused of obtaining Ksh17.5 million from her client.
The court heard that the funds were proceeds from the sale of property owned by Crispy Ltd, which she allegedly received through her firm on the company’s behalf.
The offence reportedly occurred between February 17 and July 23, 2024, in Mvita Sub-county.
Additionally, Muthee faces 10 counts of issuing bad cheques.
The court was told that on July 18, 2024, she issued a Ksh900,000 Cooperative Bank cheque to Osman Mohamud Mohamed, knowing the account lacked sufficient funds.
The case will be mentioned on December 9 for pretrial.
