A Kisumu-based bodaboda operator who allegedly stole 50 litters of petrol from a local petrol station on Tuesday appeared before a Kisumu resident magistrate to answer the charges.
According to the prosecution, Kelly Ombima illegally entered the premises of Sky petrol station on the outskirts of Kisumu on the night of June 18.
Ombima had gone to the station to refill his motorbike, when the station had just been closed down, and after being turned away, he pretended to leave only to snatch the petrol in a Jerican belonging to another customer who was the last to be served.
The customer raised an alarm, which attracted other bodaboda operators who went after Ombina.
They managed to nab him after the chase, and handed him over to the central police station.
Ombima, who pleaded not guilty told the court that he was wrongly accused as he dropped the money for the petrol before taking it away.
The prosecution also alleged that the accused had a similar pending case in another court.
Winam resident magistrate Philip Oilo released Ombima on a cash bail of Sh10,000 with a surety of a similar amount.
The case was adjourned until the July 15 for the hearing.