By All In Africa Correspondent | Nairobi
A Nairobi-based employee has been charged with stealing KSh 98.3 million worth of electric accessories from her employer, Lomas and Lomas Limited, a sister company to Cable Connect Limited Company.
The accused, Naomi Mueni Mutua, appeared before the Milimani Law Courts, where she denied the theft charges in what prosecutors have termed one of the largest internal corporate theft cases in recent months.
Employee Accused of Massive Theft From Employer
According to court documents, between January 1, 2022, and March 1, 2024, while working at the company’s Nairobi offices, Mueni allegedly stole electric accessories valued at KSh 98,380,138.
The prosecution told the court that the stolen items came into her possession by virtue of her position as a trusted employee within the firm. Investigators allege that the theft was carried out gradually over the two-year period before it was uncovered through an internal audit and subsequent stock review.
Plea and Bail Terms
Mueni pleaded not guilty to the charges before a Milimani court magistrate. Her defense counsel requested lenient bail terms, arguing that she was a Kenyan citizen with a fixed residence and not a flight risk.
The court, however, released her on a cash bail of KSh 5 million, with strict conditions to ensure her attendance throughout the trial.
The matter is scheduled for mention on 28th October 2025 for pre-trial directions before the case proceeds to full hearing.
Company Background: Lomas and Lomas Limited
Lomas and Lomas Limited is a reputable company in Kenya’s electrical and cable distribution industry, working closely with its affiliate, Cable Connect Limited, to supply high-quality electrical accessories, cables, and industrial equipment across the country.
The case has raised concerns about internal fraud and employee accountability in corporate Kenya, with experts urging firms to tighten their internal audit mechanisms to prevent similar incidents.
Corporate Theft on the Rise
Recent months have seen a surge in white-collar crimes and internal fraud cases reported in Nairobi courts. Legal experts attribute the rise to weak internal control systems and limited employee oversight, especially in fast-growing firms handling large inventories or financial flows.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) continues to urge companies to invest in forensic audits and staff background checks to mitigate risks linked to insider theft.
Next Steps in Court
The prosecution has indicated that it will call several witnesses, including company auditors and procurement officers, to testify on how the alleged theft occurred.
If convicted, Mueni could face a lengthy prison sentence under Kenya’s Penal Code Section 281, which deals with theft by servant offenses.
The case is expected to draw attention within Kenya’s business community as it highlights ongoing challenges around trust, transparency, and corporate governance.