NAIROBI, Kenya – An Equity Bank teller, Debra Nyanduko Ombwonge, has been charged with stealing more than Sh2.4 million from the bank’s Tom Mboya branch in Nairobi.
Nyanduko appeared before Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina at the Milimani Law Courts on Friday, where she pleaded not guilty to a charge of stealing by a servant, contrary to Section 281 of the Penal Code.
The prosecution alleges that Nyanduko stole Sh2,410,000 between April 6 and April 24, 2023, while employed as a teller at the branch.
In court, the prosecution informed the magistrate that a similar case is already pending before Court Five, and they requested that Nyanduko’s file be consolidated with the existing case.
“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,” said the prosecutor.
Investigators believe this case may be part of a larger internal fraud scheme within the banking sector, and noted that additional suspects are still at large. Further arrests are expected as investigations continue.
Magistrate Onyina directed that the case be transferred to Court Five, where further directions, including a decision on bail or bond, will be given.
For now, Nyanduko remains remanded in custody, and the matter will be mentioned on Monday, September 22, 2025.
The ongoing investigation is part of a broader crackdown on internal fraud in Kenya’s banking sector, with authorities pledging to hold all involved parties accountable.
