An Equity Bank teller has been charged with allegedly stealing more than Sh2.4 million from the lender’s Tom Mboya branch in Nairobi.
Debra Nyanduko Ombwonge was arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts on Friday before Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina.
She pleaded not guilty to a charge of stealing by a servant, contrary to Section 281 of the Penal Code.
Nyanduko is accused of taking Sh2,410,000 from the bank between April 6 and April 24, 2023, while employed as a teller at the branch.
The prosecution told the court that a similar case is already pending before Court Five and sought to have Nyanduko’s file consolidated with it for hearing.
“There is another similar matter already pending before Court Five that is scheduled for hearing; we ask the court to allow the matter to be handled in the same court,” the prosecutor stated.
The prosecution further informed the court that several suspects linked to the alleged theft are still at large and are expected to be arrested and charged once the investigation is complete.
Detectives investigating the matter noted that more arrests are likely as part of a broader probe into alleged thefts and fraud within Kenya’s banking sector.
Magistrate Onyina directed that Nyanduko’s file be transferred to Court Five for further directions, including guidance on whether she and any other accused persons will be released on bail or bond.
For now, the accused has been remanded in custody.
The case is set to be mentioned before Court Five on Monday, September 22, 2025, when the court is expected to give further guidance on how the two related matters will proceed, including whether they will be heard together and whether Nyanduko or other suspects may be granted bail or bond.
The ongoing investigation highlights increasing scrutiny of alleged internal fraud within banks, with authorities promising to ensure that all persons involved are brought to account under the law.
