A Kisii court has ordered an NCBA Bank employee to appear in person for plea taking over allegations that he stole more than Ksh.52 million from the financial institution.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) identified the suspect as Philip Rotich Kiprono, the assistant operations manager at NCBA’s Kisii branch. He faces 134 criminal charges tied to the alleged theft.

According to the charge sheet, Kiprono allegedly diverted Ksh.52,404,084.95 from the bank on various dates spanning between December 13, 2022, and October 10, 2024, while acting in his management capacity.

The charges include theft by servant, acquisition of proceeds of crime, possession and use of proceeds of crime, forgery, aand utterance of false documents. Prosecutors argue the offences are contrary to provisions in the Penal Code and the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2009.

The prosecution, led by Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (SADPP) Solomon Njeru, asked the court to compel Kiprono’s physical attendance.

Senior Principal Magistrate Benard Obae Omwansa directed the suspect to appear in court on October 2 for plea taking.

According to NCBA Bank, Kiprono allegedly exploited his position to run a fraudulent scheme that targeted big clientsm including a Catholic Church account domiciled at the bank.

Court papers reveal that several clients were defrauded of large sums. Among others, Neel Gudkas lost Kshs. 14.7 million, the Catholic Diocese was defrauded of Ksh. 9 million, and a bishop also lost Ksh. 9 million.

Police investigators claim preliminary findings revealed that Kiprono would receive transfer instructions from clients but instead rerouted the money into accounts belonging to his accomplices. Investigators say the funds were later funneled back to him, completing the cycle of fraud.

During an earlier court session, the ODPP claimed that Rotich continued to defraud unsuspecting clients after being suspended. This was after the bank received additional complaints from customers at the Kisii branch.

“There is fear that the amount might go higher as the investigations continue. The respondent while on suspension continues to fraud customers, taking the advantage that the customer still knows he is on duty,” the ODPP told the court in November last year.