Three men accused of breaching the recently declared curfew orders restricting the movement of people in parts of five counties of North Rift have been fined Ksh1,500 each in default and serve one-month imprisonment by a Kabarnet court.

Brian Chewawa, Nelson Abong and Joseph Maina are said to have defied the curfew orders on diverse dates between February 17 and 18 of this month along the Marigat-Chepilat road in Baringo South and Tiaty constituencies respectively.

The government through the Interior and Coordination of Government ministry had declared a curfew in parts of Baringo, Turkana, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Samburu and Laikipia restricting the movement of people between 6 pm and 6 am in the effect of disarmament operation.

The trio pleaded guilty to the offence when they appeared before Chief Magistrate Judith Wanjala and were convicted as charged.

The three were charged with breach of curfew orders contrary to Section 8(1)(6) of the Public Order No.1 of 2023 (state curfew) Public Order Act Cap 56 Laws of Kenya.

The court was told that the accused were arrested on various points along Marigat-Chepilat road in Tiaty East Sub County within Baringo County having contravened the directive issued by the Cabinet Secretary for Interior Prof Kithure Kindiki which affected parts of Baringo, Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet, Samburu and Laikipia counties ravaged by perennial cattle rustling and banditry vices.

In mitigation, one of the accused, Joseph Maina, asked the court for forgiveness saying he was short on transport fee which left him stranded on the road.

“Your honour pardon me. I did not have enough fare and that left me stranded as I was heading to Chepilat.I beg for your forgiveness,” he said.

Ruling, the Chief Magistrate ordered the accused to pay a fine of Sh 1,500 or in default serve one month of imprisonment each.

The accused were given 14 days of right of appeal.