Police nab 149 motorists for drinking and driving

By CYRUS OMBATI

Kenya: About 149 people were arrested during the Easter weekend for drink-driving in Nairobi, Coast, Rift Valley and Western regions.

Those nabbed had drank beyond the recommended limits and will be arraigned in court tomorrow to face various charges.

However, 10 others escaped after running over roadblocks and making dangerous U-turns at various roadblocks that were mounted, police said.

Police said 102 were arrested in Nairobi, nine in Western, 20 in Coast and 18 in Rift Valley. Police and officials from the Ministry of Transport, using breathalysers, arrested them at various roadblocks. Those who managed to raise a cash bail of Sh20,000 were released ahead of their day in court.

Four others who refused to breathe into the gadgets were also arrested and booked for obstruction of justice. Traffic Commandant Charlton Mureithi said their operations had drastically reduced road accidents especially in Nairobi, which used to record high numbers of fatal incidents during festive seasons.

Deaths and injuries

“When we compare statistics we can tell this gadget is helping much in curbing deaths and injuries that are caused by drink-driving,” said Mureithi. At the weekend, Nairobi reported two deaths of pedestrians who were hit by speeding motorists on Mombasa Road.

“We are working with authorities to address this menace of pedestrians being hit by speeding cars,” he said.

On drink-driving, Mureithi said they intend to procure more gadgets to help curb the practice.

Police said unlike in the past when some drivers argued citing their positions in Government, those nabbed at the weekend were humbled.

 Police said they have extended the operation to other major towns in the country. Motorists arrested have been paying fines of up to Sh20,000, although it can go higher.

Those arrested at the weekend include lawyers and top Government officials. Mureithi said the gadget has helped reduce accidents caused by drink-driving.

“We are not sparing anyone 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,” said Mureithi.

The Government re-introduced breathalysers in December last year to curb drink-driving.