The auctioneer who carried out the demolition of a multi-million house in Westlands, Nairobi has denied robbery with violence charges.
Zachariah Baraza of Siuma Auctioneers is accused of robbing the occupants of the property, Niraj Batuk Shah and Avani Niraj Shah on 4th November 2022.
Baraza is alleged to have robbed electric appliances, jewelry and assorted household goods worth Sh 18,097,000, property of the Shah family.
It is alleged that during the time of the said robbery, the suspects threatened to use actual violence against the occupants.
In addition, the accused is charged with willful and unlawful damage of a house valued at Sh 20 million, erected on the land parcel LR. No.1870/111/46; IR No.84817, the property of Batuk Lakhamshi Lalji Shah.
The court heard that Baraza committed the offense jointly with others not before court.
The auctioneer denied the charges before Senior Principal Magistrate Robinson Ondieki.
He denied the charges and was granted a bond of Sh 5 million with alternative cash bail of Sh 2 million.
Baraza had been contracted by Lariak Properties Limited to evacuate the occupants of the said house.
However, it was later discovered that there was no court order issued on evacuation.
One of the directors of Lariak, Nathaniel Kipkemboi Barmasai has also been charged with robbery with violence.
He denied the charges and was released on a bail of Sh 2 million.
