DPP drops charges against notorious shoplifter Alvin Chivondo

By , K24 Digital
On Mon, 23 May, 2022 17:41 | 2 mins read
Alvin Linus Chivondo
Alvin Linus Chivondo appearing in court in a previous shoplifting case. PHOTO/Sheila Mutua

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on Monday, May 23, 2022, dropped charges against Alvin Chivondo who was arrested for the second time for shoplifting at Naivas Supermarket along Ronald Ngala Street.

Chivondo had been arraigned before Milimani Law Courts to answer to charges of stealing, but before he could take plea, the file was recalled by the DPP.

The DPP has, however, discharged Chivondo after he agreed to be subjected to psychological examination to ascertain his mental status at Mathari mental Hospital.

Chivondo first hit the headlines last month after former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko paid Ksh100, 000 fine following a conviction on similar charges of shoplifting goods worth Ksh2,817 from Naivas Supermarket along Ronald Ngala Street.

In the new charge sheet, Chivondo was arrested on May 19 for the second time while shoplifting 5 litres of cooking oil and 5 kgs of Pishori rice all valued at Ksh2,817 from the same supermarket.

Through a written agreement signed by the DPP and Chivondo's lawyer Viennna Mongare seen by K24 Digital, the DPP terminated the charges saying that the interest of the public will be served by not charging him.

"After the investigation of the offences and conduct of background check, it appears that the interest of the public and your own will best be served by not charging you," the agreement states.

According to the agreement, Chivondo has agreed to refrain from violating any law.

“I acknowledge that in the event of a criminal arrest while on the diversion program, the ODPP will have the option of terminating the programs and instituting the charges that form the basis of this diversion agreement and/or any other offence that may result from my subsequent arrest in appreciation of the terms proposed in the Diversion Agreement,” the letter reads in part.

Chivondo is also expected to report to the diversion officer and attend a counselling program.

The DPP has also stated that if he complies with these conditions during the period of diversion no criminal prosecution on the charge(s) will be instituted.

"If charges have already been instituted, they will be terminated or withdrawn without prejudice upon compliance with those conditions during and throughout the period of diversion," the agreement says.

In April, Chivondo was handed a one year or a fine of Ksh100,000 after he pleaded guilty to the offence of stealing 5 kgs of rice, 5 litres of cooking oil, 2 kgs of sugar, and tea leaves, all valued at Ksh3,165.

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