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NAIROBI, Kenya – An Equity Bank teller has been arraigned in court over allegations of stealing Sh2.4 million from the lender’s Tom Mboya branch in Nairobi.
Debra Nyanduko Ombwonge was presented before Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina at the Milimani Law Courts on Friday, where she pleaded not guilty to a charge of stealing by a servant. The charge is contrary to Section 281 of the Penal Code.
The prosecution alleges that Nyanduko, while employed as a teller at the branch, stole Sh2,410,000 between April 6 and April 24, 2023.
During the hearing, the prosecution revealed that this case is linked to another similar matter already pending before Court Five at the same law courts. The prosecution sought to have Nyanduko’s file consolidated with the existing case for a joint hearing.
“We ask the court to allow the matter to be handled in the same court,” the prosecutor stated, adding that several other suspects connected to the alleged theft are still at large and expected to be charged once investigations are finalized.
Detectives on the case indicated that the probe is part of a broader crackdown on alleged theft and fraud within Kenya’s banking sector, suggesting that more arrests are likely.
Chief Magistrate Onyina directed that Nyanduko’s file be transferred to Court Five for further directions. The court will determine issues including whether the accused and any other suspects will be released on bail or bond. For the time being, Nyanduko has been remanded in custody.
The case is scheduled for mention on Monday, September 22, 2025, when the court is expected to provide further guidance on how the related matters will proceed.
This case highlights the increasing scrutiny on internal fraud within financial institutions, with authorities vowing to hold all involved individuals accountable under the law.
