A magistrate on Monday did the unthinkable after requesting court attendees and lawyers to contribute towards buying a wig for a woman arraigned for stealing the beauty products.
Karylin Chelangat was nabbed for stealing wigs at a supermarket in Mtwapa on Sunday, a crime she admitted committing as charged before the court on Monday.
However, in her defence, she told resident Magistrate David Odhiambo that she is poor and decided to steal the merchandise to look beautiful like other women.
Amid sobs, she told the court that she is poor and was forced to steal it upon realizing that the Sh1,140 was too high for her after visiting the supermarket with the intention of buying one.
“I stole the weaves from the supermarket because I wanted to look beautiful like other women I see around. I had gone to the supermarket to buy one but upon looking at the price tag, I was disappointed to find it was too expensive," she said.
Instead of convicting her, the magistrate requested people president in court to contribute towards compensating the supermarket.
“I request that the lawyers present in court and anyone willing to contribute at least Sh100 to compensate the supermarket and help raise some funds to help this woman," he said.
And extra Sh2000 was fundraised, which the judge ordered to be given to the accused, while he ordered the prosecutor to return the stolen wigs.