An Eldoret court on Monday was left in stitches after a security guard begged the judge to buy him a plate of ugali before charging him.
Private guard Japheth Olindo admitted to Senior Principal Magistrate Keynes Odhiambo that since his weekend detention, he hasn’t had his favorite meal, ugali. He became so feeble as a result that he was unable to plead.
“Your honor before charging me kindly buy me ugali. I am very hungry. No food was given to me while in the police cell. I am about to faint in your court, please do something before charging me,” Mr Olindo told the court in the midst of laughter from the courtroom.
The magistrate promised to buy him food after taking a plea.
“I have heard your concerns and for today I will make sure that I buy you food before leaving this court, just take your plea and count on my promise,” the Magistrate told him.
While in custody, Mr. Olindo, who was accused of assault and causing great bodily harm, also voiced concern about his wife being taken by another person.
He entered a plea of not guilty to the charge and then asked the judge to consider releasing him on a good bond because he only makes Sh6,000 a month as a guard and he was concerned that if he was held in custody for too long, someone might run off with his wife.
“As I stand in the dock my worry is if I will be detained for long someone might rob me of my beautiful wife. She is even here in court together with my child, kindly release me on Sh2,000 bond and I will comply with court directions by ensuring that I always come to court whenever required,” he told the magistrate.
