Man caught out during curfew says it was his daughter’s birthday

Reuben Gitahu, a Nairobi resident appearing before Kibera Principal Magistrate Derrick Kuto. [Standard]

A man accused of breaking the curfew order has told court that he did it because his daughter was celebrating her birthday.

Reuben Gitahu was reported that on April 21 at around 9.20 pm in Kangemi area, Nairobi, he was found disobeying government orders by driving along Waiyaki way in contravention of the law.

The court heard that the accused was not listed as an essential service provider allowing him to be outside during such hours.

Gitahu pleaded guilty before Kibera Principal Magistrate Derrick Kuto, adding that it was his daughter’s birthday and he couldn't see her without a gift.

“That day, I had assumed that her birthday was on the following day only to realize when I arrived home that she had been expecting a surprise from me” he told court.

He added: “the relationship of a parent and their child is important and it would have been horrible if I hadn’t gotten her a gift.”

The accused was fined Sh10, 000 or five-month jail term.