Update: Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja secured his release by paying the Ksh 15,000 fine as stipulated.
"Fellow Kenyans, please don't send me money through mobile transaction. Thank you for your efforts but I have already cleared," Sakaja stated.
Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja was ordered to pay a fine of Ksh 15,000 or face a jail term of three months after he pleaded guilty for flouting Covid-19 rules.
Sakaja was apprehended after he was found drinking at a city pub along Dennis Pritt Road in Nairobi at 1 am on Saturday, July 18.
“The fine for flouting Covid-19 rules is Ksh 20,000 or a 6 months imprisonment.
"However, being a first offender I will consider fining him Ksh 15,000 or 3 months in prison,” the judge ruled on Tuesday, July 21 in an open court in Kasarani, Nairobi.
Sakaja resigned as Chairman of the Senate ad-hoc Committee on Coronavirus (Covid-19) after presenting himself at Kilimani Police Station on Monday, July 20.
The judge while making the rule, based her verdict on the act, stating that Sakaja expressed leadership. She also clarified that the move was not a symbol of public relations act and urged the Senate to release an official statement on the same to send a strong message to Kenyans.
"The populace looked up to him in terms of fighting the pandemic which is at it's peak in Nairobi County which he represents. Much was expected from him and the court appreciates that he stepped aside from the committee.
Sakaja apologised and vowed to take responsibility for his action while addressing the media outside Kilimani Police Station on Monday, July 20.
He affirmed that his resignation was a way of owning up after being at the centre of the publicised incident in which he also allegedly threatened police officers.
The police had accused him of resisting arrest, being violent and incitement.
