A Nairobi man on Friday, August 1, left tongues wagging after he pleaded with the magistrate to jail him due to the tough economic times.
The man who was appearing in court to answer charges of attempting suicide said he could no longer manage to fend for himself due to the high cost of living.
The suspect, who is a resident of Utawala on the outskirts of the Nairobi city center said he better be in jail and be assured of three meals a day than being free without something to eat.
“I was born in Makadara, but I stay in Mavoko but let me be honest, please allow me to be jailed and live. I would rather stay in there and have food because I have tried taking my life, and it is not good. I just want to be charged and be taken inside. I will cooperate with the prison officers,” he said.
He admitted to trying to end his life after failing to secure a job as promised by the United Democratic Alliance Party (UDA).
“So instead of going throw myself in a river, I plead you to jail me so that I get food. And let it not just be any food, special food. I ascertain that I am of sound mind, so you don’t have to worry,” he stated to the shock of the court.
If found guilty, the suspect will be sentenced to either serve two years in prison or pay a fine instituted by the judge or face both, as per Section 226 of the Penal Code.
President William Ruto in his inauguration speech had promised to create employment opportunities for the Kenyan youths and lower the cost of living among other promises.
However, one year later, the cost of basic commodities skyrocketed beyond reach for the majority of Kenyans as companies shut down due to tough economic times.
