Househelp Steals Ksh.2.2 Million from Employer, Arrested After High-Speed Chase
In a shocking theft that has left many Kenyans in disbelief, a househelp was arrested for allegedly stealing Ksh.2.2 million from her employer’s home. The incident, which occurred on March 16, 2025, led to a dramatic manhunt across multiple counties before the suspect was finally apprehended. Detectives recovered Ksh.1.5 million in Vihiga and Nairobi, while the suspect remains in custody awaiting trial.
The shocking theft unfolded when the employer left her househelp, Fleviar Muhonja Anaya, alone at home. A vigilant security guard later spotted the househelp leaving with a suspiciously large bag, raising immediate red flags. When questioned, Muhonja claimed she was running an errand for her boss—a lie that quickly unraveled when the employer discovered the missing millions.
Authorities launched an intense investigation, tracking the suspect from Nairobi to Kakamega before finally arresting her. This shocking theft highlights the risks employers face when dealing with domestic workers and the importance of stringent background checks. Below is a detailed breakdown of how the crime unfolded and how detectives cracked the case.
How the Shocking Theft Unfolded
The shocking theft began on the morning of March 16, 2025, when the employer left her househelp alone at home. A few hours later, a security guard noticed the househelp leaving with a bulky carrier bag. Sensing something was amiss, he questioned her, but she insisted she was delivering an item for her boss.
When the employer was alerted, she immediately tried calling Muhonja, only to find her phone switched off. Panicked, she rushed home and discovered that Ksh.2.2 million, which she had kept securely in her bedroom, was missing. The employer quickly reported the incident to the police, triggering a high-priority investigation.
Detectives from the DCI Nairobi Regional Headquarters and the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau took over the case. Using forensic evidence and witness statements, they traced Muhonja’s movements, leading them to her hideout in Malava, Kakamega County.
Dramatic Arrest and Recovery of Stolen Cash
The arrest was a result of well-coordinated efforts between multiple police units. Upon interrogation, Muhonja confessed and led detectives to her grandmother’s home in Kapsoi, Vihiga County, where Ksh.700,000 was recovered. This was the first major breakthrough in the case.
Further investigations took detectives to Muhonja’s rural home in Kipkaren, Uasin Gishu County, where they found three gold chain links purchased using the stolen money. The operation then shifted to Nairobi’s South B, Fuata Nyayo area, where an additional Ksh.800,000 was found hidden in her rented house.
In total, Ksh.1.5 million was recovered, leaving Ksh.700,000 still unaccounted for. Police believe the missing amount may have been spent or hidden in another location. Muhonja is currently detained at Capitol Hill Police Station as detectives finalize their investigations before she is arraigned in court.
Lessons from the Shocking Theft
This shocking theft serves as a cautionary tale for employers who keep large sums of money at home. Experts advise against storing cash in residential properties, especially when domestic workers have access to private spaces. Instead, they recommend using banks or secure digital payment methods.
Additionally, employers are urged to conduct thorough background checks before hiring househelps. Many theft cases involve workers with fake identities or criminal histories that could have been detected early. Installing CCTV cameras and keeping valuables in safes can also deter such crimes.
As the case progresses, many will be watching to see what sentence Muhonja receives if convicted. The shocking theft has sparked debates about domestic worker regulations and whether stricter laws are needed to protect employers from similar incidents in the future.
The shocking theft of Ksh.2.2 million by a househelp has exposed vulnerabilities in home security and domestic worker trust. With Ksh.1.5 million already recovered, the police have demonstrated their efficiency in tracking down stolen money. However, the case also highlights the need for employers to take extra precautions when handling cash at home.
As Muhonja awaits her day in court, many Kenyans are left wondering how such a bold theft could have happened. This shocking theft will undoubtedly lead to more discussions about domestic worker screening and financial safety measures in households across the country.
