Senator arrested in Alcoblow operation

By CYRUS OMBATI

Nairobi, Kenya: As motorists in Nairobi were getting behind the wheel after a weekend of indulgence, Alcoblow was showing no bias to its clients. A senator is among the 36 people who were at the weekend arrested by police for drunk driving in the city. 

Nominated TNA Senator Joy Gwendo spent Saturday night in police cells at the Muthaiga Police Station after she failed an Alcoblow test.

She was released on Sunday morning after paying a cash bail of Sh10,000 and police said they expect her to appear in court today.

She was among those who failed the breathlyser test as police intensified their operations in the city.

The legislator was driving to her residence in Muthaiga when she was flagged down. Officers involved in the operation said she did not resist the arrest and her bodyguard arrived later and picked up the car.

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Outgoing traffic commandant Samuel Kimaru said those arrested on Saturday night are expected in court today.

Senators Mong'are Okongo (Nyamira) and Nairobi’s Mike Sonko rushed to Muthaiga Police Station to try and bail out their colleague but were informed she had left.

“We arrived and were informed she had been freed on cash bail,” said Okongo.

Kimaru said the use of the gadget has seen a drop in accidents caused by drunk driving. “We are sparing no one in enforcing the law. Anyone found driving under the influence of alcohol will have to face the law. If you are drunk, get a driver to take you where you are going,” Kimaru said. He added that they have not recorded any fatal accidents in Nairobi and other urban areas where the gadgets have been introduced.

“We do not witness destruction of roundabouts and major rails as was the case in the past. Drivers are disciplined and we are extending the operation to all towns,” said the police boss.

Bar owners and alcohol manufacturing firms have protested the use of breathalysers, saying they are losing business but Transport Cabinet Secretary Michael Kamau has insisted police will not stop using the gadgets.