Magistrate’s Compassion Shines in Milimani Courtroom with Food Offer for Hungry Accused

In a touching moment at Milimani Law Courts on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Principal Magistrate Benmark Ekhubi demonstrated remarkable compassion by offering to buy food for an accused person who expressed hunger during a courtroom session. The heartwarming exchange, captured in a widely shared video, has earned widespread praise from Kenyans for the magistrate's empathy and concern for the well-being of those appearing before him.

During the court proceedings, Magistrate Ekhubi was questioning the accused, a young man who claimed to be a 20-year-old matatu driver from Umoja. As part of the interaction, the magistrate inquired about the accused's treatment while in remand at Industrial Area Prison. "In custody, you are okay? Are you eating well?" Ekhubi asked. The accused responded that he was being treated well but admitted he was currently hungry.

In an unexpected and kind gesture, the magistrate asked the young man what he would like to eat. The accused requested milk and bread, estimating the cost at Ksh120. Showing generosity, Magistrate Ekhubi handed over Ksh500 and instructed that the accused be taken to purchase the items. The moment resonated deeply with those present in the courtroom and later with the online community as the video gained traction.

Beyond providing food, Magistrate Ekhubi expressed concern for the accused's overall well-being. He ordered that the young man be taken to a hospital for a medical evaluation on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, to ensure his health was properly assessed. This directive underscored the magistrate's commitment to the welfare of individuals in his courtroom, extending beyond legal proceedings.

The accused, who kept the courtroom entertained with his humorous responses, shared details about his background. He claimed to have completed a seven-year sentence at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison but noted he had not received an identification card upon release, stating, "I was supposed to get it since I have finished my seven-year sentence." His lighthearted attempts to calculate the cost of bread and milk by percentage drew laughter from those in attendance, adding a moment of levity to the proceedings.

Despite the jovial exchanges, the accused denied the charges against him. Magistrate Ekhubi scheduled the next hearing for Thursday, October 9, 2025, allowing time for the medical evaluation and further legal proceedings.

The video of the exchange quickly went viral, sparking an outpouring of admiration from Kenyans online. Many commended Magistrate Ekhubi for his compassion and humanity, highlighting his actions as a powerful example of empathy within the judicial system. The incident has been celebrated as a reminder of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity, regardless of their circumstances.

This heartwarming courtroom moment not only showcased Magistrate Ekhubi's kindness but also sparked a broader conversation about compassion and care for those navigating the justice system.