A Milimani Chief Magistrate’s Court has granted bail to Cheekati Narasimha Rao, an Indian national and former senior manager at a Nairobi-based printing firm, who stands accused of orchestrating the embezzlement of Ksh 254,461,768 over eight years.
The prosecution alleges that between January 1, 2016, and August 31, 2024, while serving at Printing Services Limited, Rao conspired with others to unlawfully misappropriate company funds.
Beyond the primary charge of theft, Rao also faces a forgery charge under Sections 345 and 349 of the Penal Code.
Investigators contend that on April 1, 2010, he forged the signature of Malikiat Singh Dhillon to fraudulently secure a promotion to the position of Production Manager within the company.
Citing the magnitude of the financial loss and prior concerns raised by the complainant, the prosecution vehemently opposed Rao’s release, arguing that his foreign nationality and access to resources make him a high flight risk.
However, the defence refuted these claims, insisting that Rao had demonstrated compliance with legal directives and was prepared to abide by any conditions imposed by the court.
In her ruling, Magistrate Caroline Nyaguthie granted a bond of Ksh 10 million with an alternative cash bail of Ksh 2 million.
The court ordered Rao to surrender his passport, effectively restricting his ability to leave the country while legal proceedings continued.
The case is scheduled for mention on March 12, 2025, for pretrial proceedings.
