Thika Chief Magistrate Stella Atambo has saved the life a college student arraigned for stealing whisky worth Ksh 1,800 from a Naivas Supermarket outlet.
Atambo, who was presiding over the case before her, argued that allowing the 23-year-old to take plea and face criminal charges would taint his record, rather advised that he pays the Supermarket instead of getting charged.
“You’re only 23 and if you’re charged, this will mean you’ll have a criminal record. You have a long way to go in life and such an offense shouldn’t taint your integrity. Only Ksh 1,800,” she said.
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The magistrate said that the boy risked ruining his reputation over an offense that could be settled out of court.
She inquired if the young man could afford the whisky price which he’d earlier claimed was inflated a bit. The 23-year-old confessed he was unable to pay.
Atambo, on a light note, urged lawyers in the house to help the young man raise the money to help the accused clear his reputation, saying it was a mentorship opportunity for them.
By Our reporter
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