Nairobi — More than 200 motorists were at the weekend caught unaware after the police reinstated roadblocks on various parts of the city to impose the mandatory breathalyzer tests.
According to Nairobi Traffic Commandant Vitalis Otieno, the drivers spent their nights in custody, and some were released on Sh20,000 cashbail after they failed the tests.
He told Capital FM News that the tests will be imposed on various roads after the new law governing the practice was ratified at various levels and urged motorists not to drive after consuming alcohol.
“Yes, there was a crackdown, and it is going to go on. Yesterday we arrested more that 200 motorists and they will be taken to court today, ” he stated.
Those caught are expected in court Monday to face the charges of driving under the influence of alcohol.
The developments came after President Uhuru Kenyatta in June 2022 signed the Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2021 into law.
Under the new law, motorists found guilty of drunk driving risk a fine not exceeding Sh100,000, a two-year prison term, or both.
A breathalyzer estimates the alcohol content in one’s blood from a breath sample.