Man Charged for Withdrawing M-Pesa Money Sent to Him Wrongly

An M-Pesa case in court regarding a man who withdrew money wrongly sent to him could mark a landmark ruling once it is determined.

Stanley Irungu, on the 22^nd of June 2019, received 39,000 shillings through M-Pesa from a businesswoman at Umoja estate.

Stanley Irungu received the 39,000 shillings wrongly from Millicent Atieno and withdrew despite knowing it was not his to spend.

Atieno who operates an M-Pesa shop in Umoja estate had been given money by a customer to deposit in his number, but she wrongly dialed Irungu’s number, who also happened to be a regular customer in her shop.

Irungu, according to police officers, is being charged with withdrawing 39,000 shillings from the 60,000 shillings was sent to him wrongly by Atieno.

Upon realizing her error, Atieno called Safaricom PLC to have the transaction reversed but was informed that Irungu had already withdrawn 39,000 shillings and was only remaining with 21,000 shillings which were reversed for her.

Atieno tried contacting Irungu to have him refund the money he had withdrawn from the wrongful M-Pesa transaction but he ignored all her calls prompting Atieno to make a police report.

Irungu was tracked down by the police who arrested him for stealing which is what it amounts to when one withdraws money sent to them erroneously.

Irungu, the accused, has since confessed to receiving the 60,000 shillings and withdrawing 39,000 shillings which he told the court he was willing to pay back to gain his freedom.

“Your honour, I received the money and withdrew some of it. But I am willing to pay the complainant her money,” Irungu informed the court.

Irungu was released by the Makadara senior principal magistrate, Angelo Kithinji, on 20,000 shillings bail.

The M-Pesa case regarding the withdrawal of money sent to Irungu wrongly will be heard on 1st October 2019.

Read Also: How to Reverse Your M-Pesa Money When Sent to a Wrong Number