A reveler smoking Shisha.[Photo/the-star.co.ke]

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The Health ministry has maintained that the ban on smoking of shisha, is still in force.

“This is to bring to the public knowledge that legal notice No. 188 of 28th December, 2017, Shisha Ban in Kenya, is still on and should be complied with in total as was intended from 28th December,” said the director of public health, Dr Kepha Ombacho.

The ministry’s notice comes after importers, manufacturers, sellers, promoters and users of shisha in the country moved to court seeking an injunction for the ban..

However, Justice John Mativo declined to temporarily lift the ban.

 He petitioners to file the main case and serve the CS and the Attorney-General with court papers before the hearing on January 4.

“Lies that the ban was lifted by our courts are mischievous, unfounded and are not based on facts,” added Dr Ombacho.

He called on officers enforcing the ban to “enhance surveillance to ensure total compliance”.

“Anybody or persons found not complying should be subjected to necessary actions as provided for,” said the director.

Shisha smoking has been legal until the notice issued on Thursday by the Health CS.