Drama unfolded at the Milimani Law Courts after a foreign national charged with being unlawfully present in Kenya protested against being held in police custody, claiming he had gone without proper food and water.
Hodgkinson Enock Jedidiah appeared before Principal Magistrate Daisy Mutai on Thursday, where he denied charges of unlawfully staying in the country contrary to the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act.
According to the charge sheet seen by kauntinews.com, Hodgkinson was arrested on May 23, 2026, at Java House Gigiri in Nairobi after it was established that he did not possess a valid permit or pass allowing him to remain in Kenya.
He told the court that his visa had expired by only one day, insisting that such a minor overstay should not amount to a criminal offence.
He further claimed that he had made several attempts to leave Kenya but was unsuccessful despite using all available channels.
Hodgkinson further questioned the conditions under which he was being detained, saying he had not been properly fed while in custody.
“They have not been feeding me. So you’re saying I should not have water and should just be locked in the basement? I need food, I need water,” he complained before the court.
In response, Magistrate Daisy Mutai informed him that such concerns would form part of his defence during the hearing of the case.
She directed the prosecution to supply him with witness statements and other documents ahead of the pre-trial process.
The court declined to release him on bond, citing the fact that his place of residence was unknown, and ordered that he remain in custody.
The case is scheduled for mention on June 8, 2026.
