A Kenyan court has ordered that eight teenagers remain in detention until December 3 for insulting two of the country’s ministers.
The students from Ambira Boys High School in the western region of the country hit the news headlines a video emerged online showing them hurling derogatory insults at Education Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed and her Interior counterpart Fred Matiang’i.
Seven of the students said they were 17 years old while one said he was 16 years old.
The boys had just finished their national secondary examinations before they recorded the video which also showed a raging fire. In the video, they also bragged about having successfully cheated in the exams.
Ukwala Resident Magistrate Gladys Adhiambo ordered that the minors remain in detention until investigations are complete.
“The application to hold the suspects at Ugunja police station for purposes of completing investigations is merited and unopposed,” she said.
“The suspects have indicated that they are all minors and I therefore order that they be held at the children’s cells.”
The video also caught the attention of President Uhuru Kenyatta, who warned of dire consequences to the boys.
“If you can brag about cheating we will show you what the State does with cheats.”
