Nairobi Man Fined Sh30,000 for Failing to Pay Sh22,000 Restaurant Bill
A Nairobi man was fined Sh30,000 after pleading guilty to obtaining services by false pretence at a local restaurant.
Qurine Omondi Muteshi appeared at Milimani Law Courts on 6 October 2025, admitting to incurring a debt of Sh22,760 at Vibanda Village Restaurant in Upper Hill without intending to pay. The offence took place on 3 October, when Muteshi consumed food, drinks and water before attempting to leave without settling the bill.
According to court records, Muteshi tried to exit the restaurant while pretending to be on a phone call and headed towards a nearby matatu stage. His escape was stopped by a restaurant attendant who prevented him from boarding public transport.
Despite staff requests to pay the bill, Muteshi refused, leading management to call the police. Officers from Capitol Hill Police Station arrested him at the scene without a warrant.
During the hearing, eight receipts detailing the expenses were submitted as evidence. The complainant, Oscar Oloo, and the police officers involved testified against Muteshi.
In his defence, Muteshi described himself as a father of four and a former USAID employee currently facing unemployment and financial difficulties. He explained that he had been socialising with a group of women who ordered food, and after the meal, they left, leaving him with the bill.
He also said he was unfamiliar with Nairobi despite living there for four years and cited outstanding loans as part of his financial strain. The magistrate acknowledged Muteshi’s personal challenges but ruled that the offence was a deliberate act of deception. The court imposed a Sh30,000 fine, or two months’ imprisonment if the fine is not paid.
