Kind Nairobi magistrate buys food for hungry suspect during court session: "Niko njaa"

Nairobi magistrate Ben Ekhubi warmed hearts after buying lunch for a remandee who complained of hunger during a court session.

In a now-viral video, Nelson Muriithi, alias Kidero, appeared frail and struggled to speak as his case was being mentioned.

Before adjourning, Ekhubi paused proceedings to inquire about his well-being in custody.

When asked if he had eaten or slept well, Kidero responded candidly: “Not really. Niko njaa.”

The magistrate then pledged to buy him food.

“I will buy you food today before we mention your matter on Thursday. So what do you want to eat?” Ekhubi asked, before directing a police officer to get bread and milk.

A Kenyan Magistrate shocked many by buying lunch for a hungry remanded bus driver! pic.twitter.com/gac5x0RMSk

— The Kenyan Vigilante (@KenyanSays) October 1, 2025

The exchange briefly lightened the courtroom mood when the accused attempted to calculate the cost.

“One packet of milk is supposed to be Sh60, so if you calculate the percentage… not the percentage,” he corrected himself, sparking laughter.

He added, “The total cost of bread and milk is not less than Sh120.”

Ekhubi then handed the officer Sh500 to cover the meal, a gesture that drew admiration from many who later watched the video online.

Muriithi faces charges of trespassing into the Bunge Towers parking area on August 7, 2025, at 9:30 pm.

He had earlier claimed that President William Ruto was his father and confessed to unlawfully entering the premises three times while searching for his “13 wives.”

On Tuesday, however, he recanted his admission and pleaded not guilty. When asked if he could afford cash bail, he surprised the court by declaring that he preferred to return to Kamiti Maximum Prison instead, where he had previously served a 7-year sentence.

Ekhubi subsequently ordered a mental assessment, saying the accused was not in a sound state, after which the prosecutor confirmed that he would be taken to hospital on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, for evaluation.

The case will be mentioned again on October 9, 2025.