11 arrested, charged with possession of plastic bags

Eleven people were on Friday arraigned in a Kisii court where they pleaded guilty for being in possession of polythene bags.

The 11, who included hawkers and vegetable vendors, were arrested on Thursday evening.

Appearing before senior principal magistrate S.H. Lutta, they were accused that on 9th November, 2017 in Kisii market, they were found using and selling plastic carrier bags contravening the ban on use of flat plastic bags.

They all pleaded guilty to the charge that attracts a fine of Ksh.10,000 or a three-month jail sentence.

This is the first group of people to be arrested and arraigned in court in Kisii since the ban on plastic bags took effect.

Three weeks ago, NEMA county director, Tom Togo, issued a warning to those contravening the law that they will be arrested and charged in court.