The Continent RevealsA taxi driver in Kenya, Hassan Abdikadir Sharif, accused of robbing and assaulting a woman in Eastleigh, will remain in custody until Wednesday next week when the Makadara Law Court will hear his bail application. Sharif is facing serious charges, including robbery with violence and committing an indecent act with an adult.
Incident Details
The alleged robbery occurred on September 15, 2023, along Jam Street. Sharif is accused of robbing a woman, identified as RMS, of her handbag valued at KSh 1,500, a mobile phone worth KSh 150,000, a pair of golden earrings worth KSh 30,000, and KSh 30,000 in cash. The charges against him also include using actual violence during the robbery, as per section 295, read with section 296 (2) of the Penal Code.
Additional Charges
In addition to robbery, Sharif is also charged with committing an indecent act with an adult, contrary to Section 11 (A) of the Sexual Offences Act No. 3 of 2006. He allegedly indecently touched RMS while inside his car.
The Night of the Incident
On the night of the incident, RMS hired Sharif to take her to a pharmacy to get medication for her sick child. Finding the pharmacy closed, they drove back towards her house. During the return trip, Sharif allegedly turned against RMS, slapped her, and pushed her out of the car after she resisted his sexual advances. She was left stranded on the road, shaken and screaming, until a pedestrian rescued her.
Legal Proceedings
The incident was reported at the Eastleigh North police station, leading to Sharif’s arrest on November 22, 2023. Initially, he was charged with assault and causing actual bodily harm at the Makadara Law Courts, where he denied the charges and was released on cash bail. However, RMS requested the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to review the charges. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) took over the investigation, which led to the recommendation of robbery charges against Sharif.
Court Appearances
Sharif denied the robbery charges before Senior Principal Magistrate Benmark Ekhumbi of the Milimani Law Courts. The prosecution, represented by Virginia Kariuki, opposed his release on bond, citing his previous bail jump and questionable nationality. Kariuki presented an affidavit by Detective Constable Benjamin Keter of Starehe DCI offices, stressing that Sharif had no fixed abode and was a flight risk.
Read: The Role Of Gen Z In Protesting The Finance Bill In Kenya
Warrant of Arrest and Custody
A warrant of arrest was issued for Sharif after the case was withdrawn under section 87 (a) of the Penal Code. Magistrate Ekhumbi remanded Sharif in custody until June 26, 2024, when he will be transferred to the Makadara Law Courts. The trial court at Makadara will determine his bond terms in the latest case.
The case of Hassan Abdikadir Sharif highlights the legal complexities and serious nature of charges involving robbery and assault. As the legal process unfolds, the focus will be on ensuring justice for the complainant, RMS, while upholding the legal standards for the accused. The upcoming bail hearing at the Makadara Law Court will be a critical step in this ongoing case.
