A 2kg packet of the GOK subsidised maize flour retains at Sh90. [Photo/the-star.co.ke]
A businessman in Kwale County has been sentenced to five months imprisonment after being found guilty of fleecing customers over the government's subsidised maize flour by selling it at Sh120 instead of the recommended Sh90.
Kwale Senior Resident Magistrate, Betty Koech, while sentencing the accused, Moses Ochieng, said that it was a shame that even after the government lowered the price of the 2 Kg packet of maize flour to Sh90, some greedy traders were still exploiting the public.
She added that even though it is the first incident where a business owner has been charged with the offence, the accused, should serve as an example to those being involved in the illegal act.
“Even if it is the first time, the matter is appearing before this court, the accused is sentenced to serve five months in prison or a fine of Sh10, 000 so that he can serve as a lesson to others who are exploiting the public,” said the magistrate.
State counsel, Cecilia Wakoli, told the court that the accused was arrested on Wednesday this week at Kombani Trading Centre after police officers received information from the members of the public.
The security officers also found Mr Ochieng’ selling the maize flour at Sh120 contrary to the government directive.
A 2 Kg packet of the cheap flour was presented as an exhibit before the Kwale court.
The accused admitted to have been selling the commodity at a higher price, adding that before the arrest, he had already sold four bales of the commodity.
Mr. Ochieng pleaded for leniency saying he was remorseful and that he has a family under his care.
This comes barely a day after Kwale County Commissioner Mr. Kutswa Olaka while addressing those who turned up for the Madaraka Day celebrations said five traders had been arrested for selling the subsidized flour expensively.
He warned that stern action will be taken against any trader found fleecing the public on the government subsidized maize flour.