The five suspects before judge Kipkorui Kibelion in Machakos law courts. (Photo/Agnes/hivisasa.com)
Nine traders have been charged at a Machakos Law Court for being in possession of plastic bags.Erick Munyoki, Rhoda Mutisya, Daniel Mutiso, Mary Nzilani, Christine Ndunge, Mwanzia Mwikali, Jedidah Muthoka, Bunekha Munyesia and Joyce Mwikali appeared before Senior Resident Magistrate Kipkurui Kibelion on Friday.They were separately arrested at Marikiti Market in Machakos town and at Kaseve Market along Machakos - Kitui Road.The lot were charged with contravening a measure contrary to Section 140(b) of the Environmental Management and Coordination Act Cap 387 Laws of Kenya.According to their individual charge sheets seen by this writer on November 8, 2017, they each contravened a measure banning use of plastic flat and carrier bags prescribed under Gazette notice NO 2334 and 2356 by unlawfully packaging tomatoes using flat plastic bags, same having been banned under the said gazette notice.They all pleaded guilty of the offense. The court ordered their release on 3months community service under Community Service Committal Order with supervision of area probation officer.Kibelion warned that the court will not sympathize with any other offenders who will be brought before the court for committing same offense.He said those found guilty of the offense in future will be exposed to fine of between Sh2-4 million or serve jail terms of between 18-24 months in accordance with the law.