By Josephat Siror
Women from Central Province have petitioned Chief Justice Willy Mutunga to intervene over conservatory orders issued by High Court on sale of adulterated brew.
The women under the auspices of “Bunge La Wamama Mashinani” (rural women parliamentary group) are demanding that the order be quashed through an appeal by the office of the Chief Justice.
The women are further threatening to shut the retailers’ joints in central region owing to devastating effects of controversial brew packed in polyethylene packets.
The women argued that their spouses’ have failed biological performance due to the effects of illicit brews. “Our men have left us and others have been rendered infertile,” said group co-ordinator Marion Njeri.
She said it was appalling that the Provincial Administration was trying to rid the region of the illicit brews but suffered setbacks such as the court ruling. “It is our appeal that Honourable Chief Justice will hear our cry and come to our rescue,” the women added.
They were escorted by Head of Police Operations, Central Police Station Sharma Wario, where they temporarily interrupted traffic along Muindi Mbingu Street and Kenyatta Avenue.
Mr Wario together with two officials later presented the petition at the CJ’s office. The CJ was said to be out on official duty. “What we have done is to present the petition to his secretary and the petition has been stamped (received),” said Mr Wario.
The petition follows a suit filed last year in court involving ten distillers and alcohol distributors, AG’s office, National Campaign Against Drug Abuse, Director of Public Prosecution and Internal Security ministry.
The application alleged that article 40 and 47 of sections of Drinks and Alcohol Act of 2010 had been contravened by distillers.
But the High Court stopped the State and agents from either arresting or detaining distributors, manufacturers and retailers from selling alcohol above 250 millilitre packed in polyethylene packets.
