American charged for being in Kenya illegally complains about ugali-cabbage, asks court for ‘good food'

An American national charged with being in Kenya illegally sparked laughter in a Nairobi court on Thursday after making an unusual plea to the Magistrate asking to be served “good food” instead of the standard ugali and cabbage while in police custody.

Milimani Law Courts briefly turned into an unlikely food complaint hearing after Hodgkinson Enock Jedidah, who had been arraigned over immigration related charges, voiced his dissatisfaction with the meals he had been receiving.

Appearing before Senior Principal Magistrate Mutai, Jedidah told the court he was unhappy with the menu offered to remandees and appealed for something better.

“I should be given good food… ugali and cabbage… is that what you are saying should happen? No, I don’t think so,” he told the court, drawing smiles from those present.

Jedidah said he did not enjoy the taste of ugali and cabbage and pleaded with the court to direct authorities to provide him with more substantial meals and in larger portions.

But the Magistrate declined to issue any orders on the request, advising him to accept the food provided while in custody.

The American had earlier denied the charge of being in Kenya without valid legal documentation.

In his defence, Jedidah told the court that immigration officials had confiscated his travel documents, making it impossible for him to regularize his stay in the country.

However, the prosecution opposed his claims, insisting that he had overstayed his visit and remained in Kenya unlawfully for an extended period.

The court further directed that Jedidah be remanded at Industrial Area Prison pending further proceedings.