This archive report was first published on 15 August 2019.
On August 15, 2019, a dramatic scene unfolded outside the Kibera Law Courts in Nairobi as six suspects scheduled to appear in court were allegedly too intoxicated to stand trial.
According to pictures and videos aired by NTV, the suspects were sprawled on the ground in a drunken stupor, with some police officers trying to prop them up to walk.
However, the suspects were unconscious and unable to respond to any probing, leaving many to question the wisdom of bringing them to court in such a state.
As the scene played out, Kenyans took to Twitter to share their reactions, with some calling for the suspects to be rehabilitated rather than put on trial.
“They are in more need of rehabilitation than trial,” said @patrickmukunzi, while @AbuDaud questioned the legality of charging someone for being drunk.
“Since when is being drunk an offence? Can @NPSOfficial_KE get busy with activities that add value,” he asked.
The incident has sparked a wider debate about the role of the police and the justice system in dealing with individuals who are struggling with addiction.
