A 28-year-old househelp, Violet Ndukweh Lijoodi, has been convicted of stealing a gold ring worth Sh683,000 from her employer, Ms. Norah Mitchell Were. Ms. Were, an Australia-based nurse, was on holiday in Runda, Nairobi, when the theft occurred.
The incident came to light on Monday, August 12, 2024, when Ms. Lijoodi appeared before a Milimani court. She admitted to stealing the ring and expressed deep remorse for her actions.
Ms. Lijoodi explained to Magistrate Rose Ndobi that she stole the ring on August 3, 2024, just before leaving for her off day. Sobbing in court, she pleaded for mercy and leniency, stating that she sold the ring for only Sh4,000 at the Kawangware market.
She stole the ring to pay for her father’s medical bills and to support her three children. Ms. Lijoodi confessed that she didn’t realize the ring’s true value at the time.
Mwima, another individual arrested in connection with the case, denied the charges and maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. The court released him on a Sh1 million bond after his plea, allowing him to remain free while the investigation continues and his trial progresses. The legal process will further scrutinize his involvement in the case.
During her plea, Ms. Lijoodi asked for forgiveness from both the court and her employer, Ms. Norah. She reiterated that she did not know the ring was so valuable until after the theft. Despite her plea, the court viewed the matter seriously due to the high value of the stolen item.
In connection with the case, Mwima, another individual arrested, denied the charges and maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. The court released him on a Sh1 million bond after his plea, allowing him to remain free while the investigation continues and his trial progresses. The legal process will further scrutinize his involvement in the case.
Magistrate Ndobi requested a pre-sentence report before deciding on Ms. Lijoodi’s punishment. The report will assess her personal circumstances, including her responsibilities as a mother and her father’s medical condition. Until the report is ready, the court has remanded Ms. Lijoodi in custody.
The final sentencing will take place on September 5, 2024, when the court will decide her fate. Ms. Lijoodi remains hopeful for leniency, but the seriousness of the crime could lead to a severe sentence.