NAIROBI (Kaab TV) – An American national charged with being in Kenya illegally has drawn attention on Thursday after making an unusual plea to the magistrate, asking to be served “good food” instead of the standard ugali and cabbage while being held in police custody.
The proceedings at the Milimani Law Courts briefly turned into an unexpected discussion about prison meals after the suspect, identified as Hodgkinson Enock Jedidah, complained about the food being provided to remandees.
Appearing before Senior Principal Magistrate Mutai, Jedidah expressed frustration over the meals served in detention and appealed for better food and larger portions while awaiting the hearing of his immigration case.
“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 and laughter from some of those present during the hearing.
Jedidah said he did not enjoy the taste of the food being served and urged the court to direct prison authorities to provide more substantial meals during his detention.
However, the magistrate declined to issue any special orders regarding the request and advised the suspect to accept the food provided while in custody.
The American citizen had earlier denied charges of residing in Kenya without valid legal documentation.
In his defense, Jedidah argued that immigration officials had confiscated his travel documents, making it impossible for him to regularize his stay in the country or renew his immigration status.
Prosecutors rejected his explanation, maintaining that he had overstayed his permitted period of stay and had remained in Kenya unlawfully for an extended time.
The court ordered that Jedidah be remanded at Industrial Area Prison pending further court proceedings.
The unusual courtroom exchange quickly attracted attention on social media, where many Kenyans reacted humorously to the suspect’s criticism of ugali and cabbage — a common and affordable meal widely eaten across Kenya and other East African countries.
Others, however, pointed to the incident as part of broader discussions surrounding prison conditions, detainee welfare, and food standards within correctional facilities.
Kenyan authorities have in recent months intensified immigration enforcement operations targeting foreigners accused of overstaying visas, lacking proper residency permits, or violating immigration regulations.
Under Kenyan law, foreign nationals found living in the country without valid documentation may face detention, fines, deportation, or imprisonment depending on the nature of the offense.
Human rights organizations have meanwhile continuously called for improved detention conditions and humane treatment for both local and foreign detainees, including adequate nutrition, healthcare access, and legal protections.
Jedidah’s case is expected to return to court in the coming days as legal proceedings continue.