A 'mentally challenged' man has been arrested in Kimilili, Bungoma County after being found in possession of plastic bags and Sh275, 000.
The man, identified as Shikuku, was arrested on Thursday by officers from the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) during a crackdown on the banned polythene bags.
The officers had raided different places at Kimilili market in Bungoma.
The officers recovered more than 15,000 plastic bags during the raid. The man was nabbed as he traversed Katiba Kimilili market selling his wares.
Residents in the area, however, argued that Shikuku only pretends to be mad so as to engage in the illegal business.
Confirming the incident, Bungoma County Nema boss Rop Kipkoech said that the officers are probing the matter, adding that the said cash was found in denominations of Sh1,000
”We got a tip from wananchi who got suspicious of his banned business, during the crackdown we managed to arrest the consignment," he said as quoted by the Standard.
Kipkoech warned residents against carrying plastic bags, noting that whoever will be caught in possession of the bags will be arrested.
The crackdown comes after the government announced the ban on plastic bags. Nema officers have been raiding different counties and arresting those found in possession of the bags.