Court Sets Free Nairobi Hawker Who Ordered Meal at Java Restaurant that He Could Not Afford

Milimani Chief Magistrate Francis Andayi on Tuesday released a Nairobi hawker who pleaded guilty to ordering a meal that he could not afford.

Appearing before the court, Michael Masinga Ambatsa confessed he ordered and ate a meal worth Sh1, 310 at Java Restaurant but could not pay the bill. 

The court heard that on Monday, December 16th, Ambatsa ate a meal comprising of chicken and chips and took a liter of juice at the Java Restaurant - Kimathi Street branch but failed to pay when he was presented with a bill of Sh1, 310.

There was laughter in court after Magistrate Andayi joked that the accused person had vowed to eat at the high-end restaurant before his death even if he cannot afford it. 

“Ambatsa, yaani uliamua lazima ukule Java kabla ufe [Ambatsa, you had literally vowed to ensure you have eaten a meal at Java before you die?],” joked Magistrate Andayi.

Ambatsa responded in the affirmative, saying that he regretted his action. “I admit that I made a stupid mistake ordering a meal and drink that I wasn’t in a position to pay for,” he said.

Magistrate Andayi freed Ambatsa “for being honest” but warned him against repeating the same offense.