Court Sentences Nairobi Senator Sakaja for Breaking Covid-19 Rules

Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja has pleaded guilty to flouting Covid-19 rules. Sakaja, who appeared before Chief Magistrate Roselyne Onganya at Kasarani makeshift court on Tuesday, was ordered to pay a fine of Sh15,000 or serve a three-month jail term in default.

He faced charges of breaching curfew orders contrary to orders 3 of the public order, 2020 as read with section 8(6) of Public Order Act 56 of the laws of Kenya.

“The fine for flouting Covid-19 rules is Sh20,000 or 6 months’ imprisonment. However, being a first offender I will consider fining him Sh15,000 or 3 months in prison,” the magistrate ruled.

Sakaja was arrested at 1 am on Saturday after he was found drinking during curfew hours at Ladies Lounge in Nairobi’s Kilimani area together with ten other levelers.

A police report indicated that Sakaja defied orders to leave the drinking joint and instead “became violent raising his hands to be handcuffed.”

“He incited others not to get away hence was arrested together with three others who refused to give their names for disobeying curfew orders. In the course of his arrest, others escaped.”

“While in custody he was asked to be given free bond but refused to leave cells threatening to transfer all officers within 24 hours,” the report stated.

On Monday, Sakaja announced his resignation from the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Covid-19, where he served as the Chairperson citing the incident.

“I was outside my house past 9 pm which is after curfew hours, it is regrettable but all of us make mistakes. I will be abiding by the law, no one is above the law, I have paid the cash bail and will appear before the court tomorrow and the entire course of law will be followed,” he said.