Nairobi court orders police officers to buy bread, milk, tissue paper for remandees as punishment

A rare courtroom twist unfolded when four police officers who skipped court to avoid testifying against their colleague, Ahmed Rashid, dodged jail time for contempt and were instead ordered to buy loaves of bread, milk, and other items for remandees and court attendees.

Only one out of six officers showed up last Monday. The rest skipped, though one was forgiven.

The court also summoned two Nation Media Group journalists over a story linking the accused to a double killing and promised to fast-track the case, now dragging into its ninth year.

Loaves of bread and packets of milk, handed out inside the Kibera High Court, sparked smiles on faces that rarely get to smile: remandees awaiting justice.

This came after the court reduced a three-month jail term or Ksh.10,000 fine against four police officers who skipped court on Monday, where they were set to testify against fellow officer Ahmed Rashid, accused of fatally shooting two young men.

Judge Diana Kavedza said their apologies were accepted, but not without consequence.

"That is the punishment you pay for not attending court. You have to buy — before I let you free — one bread, one bar soap, a packet of milk, toothbrush and toothpaste for remandees, and the rest for those present in court," said judge Kavedza.

Those who walked in empty-handed left with food in their arms. Some laughed, others nodded quietly in gratitude.

The court summoned Nation journalists Cynthia Makena and Nicholas Njoroge to appear on August 18, over a story published on Tuesday claiming one witness identified Rashid as the officer who shot the youth, one of whom was allegedly handcuffed.

"The proceedings were typed, and the prosecutor has confirmed so. I summon Cynthia Makena and Nicholas Njoroge of Nation Digital to appear before this court on the 18th," said Judge Kavedza.

"That report was misleading — and now the public believes Rashid is guilty. If the court rules otherwise, it’ll seem as though justice ignored the facts," said Danstan Omari, Rashid's defence lawyer.

And in a rare move, Chief Justice Martha Koome has authorized court sittings through the recess to fast-track a case that has haunted the corridors of justice for nearly a decade.

The case has dragged on for nine years. When hearings resume in August, about 21 witnesses are expected to testify against Rashid, who was attached to Pangani Police Station during the 2017 shooting.

"We will resume on the 21st and hear all witnesses within four days. The Chief Justice has given me powers to work during recess — this case has taken too long," said Judge Kavedza.

Rashid, a Pangani-based officer, is accused of fatally shooting two young men in Eastleigh in 2017.