A company director charged on Monday with stealing Sh357 million from Oki
General Trading Limited was released on a Sh5 million bond on Tuesday.
Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Dolphina
Alego granted Honey Khatwani an alternative bond of Sh10 million and directed him
to deposit his passport in court as part of the security.
Khatwani pleaded not guilty to the theft charge.
His lawyer, Kennedy Echesa, asked the court for lenient bond terms, saying
Khatwani is the sole breadwinner for his family.
The prosecution, through counsel Victor Owiti,
said they did not oppose bond or bail but urged the court to impose strict
terms to ensure his attendance.
Owiti noted the amount involved in the charges and applied for commensurate
bond conditions.
Khatwani is an Indian national living in Kenya
with his family and serving as a director at Oki General Trading Limited in
Baba Dogo, Ruaraka constituency, Nairobi County.
The charge sheet states that on various dates
between January 2020 and June 2024, Khatwani, as a director of the company,
stole Sh356,711,174.40, which came into his possession by virtue of his
employment.
Echesa prayed for a favourable bond, noting
that his client employs over 50 Kenyans and is willing to provide contacts if
required by the court.
He argued that the seriousness of the offence should not justify denying
bond or imposing unrealistic terms.
“The accused remains innocent until proven guilty, and I pray that he be
released on favourable bond terms,” Echesa told the court.
In
her ruling, Alego directed the prosecution to supply all documentary evidence
and exhibits they intend to rely on during the trial to the defence team.
The matter will be mentioned on August 14 for pre-trial directions.
