56 minors arrested at Back-To-School bash taken to court
Fifty six minors were on Monday arraigned in a Taveta law court after they were arrested in a bar in Taveta town.
The 56 were arrested on Sunday for allegedly drinking alcohol and spent the night at Taveta police station.
The suspects, who attend primary and secondary schools, had attended a back to school party held at Veteran Club when they were arrested by the police.
Taveta Resident Magistrate Geoffrey Kimang’a ordered police to take the minors to Taveta sub-county hospital for age assessment. They will be charged with being in need of care and protection contrary to the Children’s Act.
“I also order the Probation and Children Departments to present a detailed report to this court concerning each child on or before May 8, 2018,” he said.
PARENTS IN COURT
The magistrate also ordered parents to be present in court on next Tuesday when the minors will be charged. The children will continue being held at Taveta police station until the said date.
The manager of the club where the party was hosted, Silas Ovoringwa, was charged in the same court for selling alcohol for persons under the age of 18 years.
“On the 29th day of April at about 8pm in Taveta town within Taita Taveta County, being a manager of Veteran Club, was found selling alcoholic drinks to persons under the age of eighteen contrary to the said Act,” read the charge.
The accused however denied the charge and was released on a cash bail of Sh1 million or a surerity of Sh5 million.
Prosecutor Donald Omondi asked the court to give the accused a stringent bond term to ensure he attends court hearings.
The magistrate said he had considered the prosecutor’s request and stated that the case will be mentioned on May 14, 2018.
Parents who had thronged the court to witness their sons and daughters being tried blamed the club’s management for selling alcoholic drinks to their children.
‘MISS CLASSES’
“My daughter is in Form Four so this means that she will miss her classes,” said a parent.
Taveta OCPD Joel Chesire said they are hunting for the owner of the club for arrest and arraignment in court. He said the suspect is on the run but the police had already launched investigations which will lead to his arrest.
“We will also sit down as the sub-county Liquor and Licensing Board to revoke the license of this club,” he said.
Mr Chesire also urged parents in the area to take up their parenting responsibility to avoid such cases.
He blamed the parents for neglecting their roles a situation which has led to increase in immorality among children in the area.