Eighty-eight people were at the weekend arrested by police for drunk driving in Nairobi. They will appear in court today to face various charges. Police said 46 people were arrested on Saturday and 42 on Friday nights. Various roadblocks had been mounted by police and officials from the Ministry of Transport, who used breathalysers to catch the culprits. Officers said unlike in the past where some drivers argued, citing their positions in Government, those nabbed were humbled. Police said they have extended the operation to other major towns in the country.
On Thursday the operation was carried out at daytime at Mlolongo area along the Mombasa highway. Among the towns where the gadgets have been introduced are Bungoma and Kisumu where drunk drivers were also arrested at the weekend. Fines paid Those nabbed have been paying fines of up to Sh20,000, although it could go higher. Lawyers and other top Government officials were among those caught on the wrong side of the law. Traffic Commandant Samuel Kimaru said usage of the gadget has seen a drop in accidents caused by drunken 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,” Kimaru said. He added they usually record nil fatal accidents in Nairobi and other urban areas where the gadgets have been introduced. Fatal accidents The Government re-introduced breathalysers last December to curb drink driving following increased fatal accidents in various parts of the country. Bar owners and alcohol manufacturing firms have protested the use of breathalyzers, saying they are losing business. But Transport Cabinet Secretary Michael Kamau has insisted police will not stop using the devices, which have contributed immensely to the reduction of fatal road accidents since December. Kimaru said traffic personnel will continue to operate on city streets and dismissed as cheap rumours reports they will withdraw.
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