By Andrew Kariuki

An American national appearing before the Milimani Law Courts over an immigration-related charge briefly drew laughter in court after complaining about meals served in custody, saying he wanted “good food” instead of ugali and cabbage.

Hodgkinson Enock Jedidah appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Daisy Mutai where he took plea to a charge of being unlawfully present in Kenya contrary to Section 53(1)(j) as read together with Section 53(2) of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act.

According to the charge sheet, Jedidah is accused of being found on May 23, 2026, at around 5:00 p.m. at Java House in Gigiri, Nairobi County, allegedly without a valid permit or pass issued under Kenyan immigration laws.

During proceedings, Jedidah complained about meals served while in custody, specifically ugali and cabbage, telling the court he preferred better food.

At one point, he questioned the quality of meals provided to remandees, prompting brief amusement in court as he expressed dissatisfaction with the standard menu.

He further claimed that immigration authorities had allegedly taken his travel documents, an issue he suggested had complicated his immigration status.

The prosecution, however, maintained that he had remained in the country without the required legal documentation.

The court declined to issue orders regarding his food complaint and directed that he remain in custody after he was not granted bail pending further proceedings.