Mombasa Senior Resident Magistrate Vincent Adet was compelled to temporarily stop court proceedings to fundraise for a couple charged with the theft of a bale of flour.

During the proceedings, the court heard the reasons that led the couple, Saumu Ali and her husband Evans Odhiambo who were charged with stealing contrary to section 268 (1) as read with section 275 of the penal code, to shoplift the bale of wheat flour, much to the pity of those in the gallery, which moved the magistrate to halt the hearing.

The court heard that the two stole one bale of wheat flour from a local shop based in Shimanzi area in the Mvita sub-county valued at Ksh1980.

The middle-aged woman revealed that they were compelled to snatch the bale owing to the high cost of living that rendered them helpless in trying to feed their family, and she confessed that her husband had called her asking her to help carry the bale.

Adet temporarily halted the proceedings and ordered a mini Harambee to fundraise for the couple, and kicked off the contribution with a Kshs 1000 donation, ordering members of the public, journalists, and court officials to contribute any amount towards Saumu Ali’s food kitty.

The total amount raised was not revealed.

The magistrate then pardoned and set them free, but ordered a probation report to be presented regarding the two by their probation officer, as they confessed to their crime.

"On humanitarian grounds, especially for the first accused person, I have considered the circumstances under which the offense was committed and I sympathize with her situation, with three kids under her care and no source of income, and am of the view that let buy her a bale of wheat flour and some meat for today," the magistrate stated.

The case caught the attention of Mombasa gubernatorial hopeful Mike Sonko who lauded the magistrate for his humanitarian efforts, calling for him to receive an award for his great gesture.