“Ugali and Cabbage?” American Detainee Asks Kenyan Court for Better Food While Facing Immigration Charges
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An American national charged with being unlawfully in Kenya complained in court about the food he expected to receive in custody, saying he needed proper food and water while being detained.
Hodgkinson Enock Jedidah made the remarks on Thursday, May 29, 2026, during his appearance before Senior Principal Magistrate Daisy Mutai at the Milimani Law Courts, where he was arraigned on immigration-related charges.
The courtroom briefly erupted in laughter after he objected to the prospect of being served the standard prison meal of ugali and cabbage.
Although the magistrate assured him that the facility where he was being remanded would provide food and water, Hodgkinson Jedidah remained unconvinced.
“I should be given ugali, and somebody pushes a box of cabbage somewhere? And you’re saying all of that should happen? No, I don’t think so. I need food. I need water. If you’re holding me in Kenya, I need those things,” he said.
American Held in Kenya Complains About Ugali and Cabbage While Appearing in Court
Hodgkinson Jedidah further told the court that he did not enjoy ugali and cabbage and appealed for better meals and larger portions while in custody.
However, Magistrate Mutai declined to issue any orders on the matter, advising him to accept the meals provided by prison authorities.
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Earlier, Hodgkinson Jedidah denied the charge of being in Kenya without valid legal documentation.
In his defence, Jedidah suggested that he failed to leave the country before his visa expired.
He also claimed that immigration officials had confiscated his travel documents, making it difficult for him to regularize his stay in the country.
Meanwhile, the prosecution opposed his claims, maintaining that he had overstayed his visit and remained in Kenya unlawfully for an extended period.
Judge Mutai Orders Suspect Remanded Pending Pre-Trial
The court scheduled a pre-trial mention for June 8, when the prosecution is expected to supply witness statements and documentary evidence to the defence.
Given that Jedidah had no fixed place of abode, the court declined to release him on bond and ordered that he remain in custody until the next court appearance.
“You will come back on the 8th of June for that purpose. Given that you have no fixed place of abode, then bond terms at this stage will not be appropriate. So you will stay in custody until that time,” said the magistrate.
Jedidah was remanded at Industrial Area Prison pending further proceedings.
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Senior Principal Magistrate Daisy Mutai. Photo/ Judiciary / fb